Mass Phase Of The National Movement (1915–1947)

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Introduction

This section outlines the transformation of the Indian National Movement into a mass movement under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, emphasizing the involvement of various social groups.

Role Of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi played a vital role in the Indian National Movement through his principles of truth, non-violence, and peaceful resistance.

Principles

This section outlines the foundational principles of Mahatma Gandhi that shaped the Indian National Movement, including truth, non-violence, and self-reliance.

Early Movements

This section discusses key early movements led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian struggle for independence, focusing on the Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda movements.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant protest against British rule in India, led by Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on non-violent resistance and promoting self-reliance.

Causes

The Causes of the Non-Cooperation Movement stemmed from key events such as the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, along with a push for solidarity with the Khilafat Movement.

Programmes

The Non-Cooperation Movement included various programmes aimed at weakening British authority through boycotts and promoting indigenous products.

Suspension

The Non-Cooperation Movement was suspended following the violence of the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, highlighting the challenges in maintaining non-violent resistance.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

The Civil Disobedience Movement was a crucial period in India's struggle for independence, characterized by mass participation and the iconic Dandi March, aimed at opposing British colonial laws.

Causes

The causes of the Civil Disobedience Movement primarily revolved around political discontent, including the lack of Indian representation in the Simon Commission and the demand for full independence.

Dandi March (Salt March)

The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in March 1930, was a pivotal act of civil disobedience against the British Salt Tax, symbolizing the start of the Indian Civil Disobedience Movement.

Features

The Civil Disobedience Movement featured widespread participation from diverse groups, including women, students, and peasants, alongside a boycott of British goods and refusal to pay taxes.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact marked a significant agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and the British government, leading to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and initiating conversations at the Second Round Table Conference.

Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement of 1942 marked a pivotal moment in the Indian struggle for independence, characterized by mass uprisings and a call for immediate self-rule.

Causes

This section discusses the key causes of the Quit India Movement of 1942.

Gandhi’s Call

Gandhi's Call, launched on August 8, 1942, during the Quit India Movement, rallied the masses with the slogan 'Do or Die,' marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for Indian independence.

Features

The Quit India Movement featured widespread uprisings and significant British repression.

Significance

The significance of the Quit India Movement marked a crucial phase in India's struggle for independence, highlighting a collective demand for immediate self-rule.

Role Of Subhas Chandra Bose And Ina

Subhas Chandra Bose played a pivotal role in galvanizing Indian nationalism through the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and its collaboration with the Japanese forces.

Formation Of Ina

The Indian National Army (INA) was formed by Rash Behari Bose and revived by Subhas Chandra Bose, fighting alongside Japanese forces in Burma with a fervent call for freedom.

Ina Trials

The INA Trials were a significant event in 1945-46 that incited mass protests across India, fostering nationalist sentiment while challenging British authority.

Role Of The Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress played a pivotal role in uniting diverse communities and leading mass movements towards India's independence through negotiation and dialogue with the British.

Impact Of World War Ii On The National Movement

World War II significantly influenced the Indian National Movement by exposing Britain's economic vulnerabilities and escalating demands for independence due to resource exploitation and rising discontent.

Towards Independence

This section covers the major events leading to India's independence, including the Cabinet Mission, Direct Action Day, Mountbatten Plan, and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

Cabinet Mission (1946)

The Cabinet Mission of 1946 aimed to propose a federal structure for India but faced rejection from the Muslim League, setting the stage for further partition discussions.

Direct Action Day (1946)

Direct Action Day was a significant event in 1946, called by the Muslim League, which resulted in widespread communal riots in India.

Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947)

The Mountbatten Plan proposed the partition of British India into India and Pakistan as a solution to the rising tensions and communal strife.

Indian Independence Act (1947)

The Indian Independence Act of 1947 marked the end of British colonial rule in India, leading to the creation of two separate dominions: India and Pakistan.