Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)
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Causes of the Civil Disobedience Movement
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Today, we're going to explore the causes of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Can anyone tell me what sparked the demand for civil disobedience in India?
Was it the Simon Commission?
That's right! The Simon Commission was a pivotal catalyst because it did not include any Indian members. This sparked outrage. Why do you think that was significant?
Because it showed that the British were ignoring Indian voices.
Exactly! It heightened calls for Purna Swaraj, or complete independence. What other factors contributed to this movement?
Gandhi's 11-point demands being ignored also played a role, didn't it?
Yes! The inability to discuss these demands fueled further discontent. Remember the acronym – SIGNS: Simon Commission, Ignored demands, Growing discontent, National unity, and Swaraj demand, which can help recall the causes of the movement.
So SIGNS help us remember why this movement started!
Great! Now let's summarize: The causes include the Simon Commission, the demand for complete independence, and the neglect of Gandhi's demands.
Dandi March (Salt March)
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Moving on, who can tell me about the significance of the Dandi March?
Wasn't it the march where Gandhi protested against the salt tax?
Correct! Gandhi’s 240-mile march to Dandi was a direct act of civil disobedience against the unfair salt tax imposed by the British. Why do you think this form of protest was impactful?
It was a simple yet powerful action that everyone could participate in!
Exactly! By making salt from seawater, he made the process accessible to all. This stirred a sense of unity and empowerment among Indians. Remember the acronym: SIMPLY - Salt, India, March, Protest, Leadership by Gandhi, and Youth involvement to remember key aspects of the Dandi March.
So SIMPLY helps us remember that the march was about salt, India, and youth involvement!
Yes! In summary, the Dandi March was pivotal in showcasing non-violent resistance and mobilizing mass support across different sections of society.
Features of the Movement
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Next, let’s delve into the key features that defined the Civil Disobedience Movement. What do you think made this movement unique compared to previous ones?
There was a lot of mass participation, right? Like women and students joined in!
Absolutely! Mass participation was crucial, involving diverse groups such as women, students, and peasants. What else characterized the movement?
Boycotting British goods and refusing to pay taxes was also a big part.
Excellent! This collective refusal to cooperate symbolizes significant resistance. Let’s use the acronym – BREAD: Boycott, Refusal, Emphasis on unity, Action, and Diversity to remember these features!
BREAD is an easy way to remember it!
Great job! To summarize, key features include mass participation, boycott of British goods, and the refusal to pay taxes, emphasizing collective national identity.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
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Finally, let's analyze the outcomes of the Civil Disobedience Movement, particularly focusing on the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Who can explain its significance?
It was an agreement where Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement, right?
Yes! The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 marked a critical juncture. What were the major terms of this pact?
It included the release of political prisoners and some concessions for Indians, didn’t it?
Exactly! This pact reflected concessions by the British in recognizing the Indian demands to some extent. Use the acronym - IRWIN: Irwin's Recognition of demands, Willingness to negotiate, and Important concessions to remember key aspects.
So IRWIN highlights recognition and willingness in negotiations!
Great! In summary, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was significant as an attempt to address Indian aspirations and marked a moment of diplomacy amidst civil disobedience.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
From 1930 to 1934, the Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in response to the Simon Commission and Britain's refusal to address Indian demands for full independence. The Dandi March in 1930 marked its beginning as Gandhi led a peaceful protest against the salt tax, inspiring mass participation across India and leading to an eventual agreement with the British in the form of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Detailed
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)
The Civil Disobedience Movement marked a significant chapter in the Indian struggle for independence from British rule. Initiated in 1930, the movement arose in response to the Simon Commission of 1927, which lacked Indian representation, and the mounting demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929. Additionally, Gandhi’s 11-point demands went ignored by the British authorities, intensifying calls for civil disobedience.
Key Events and Features
Dandi March (Salt March)
In March 1930, Gandhi embarked on a historic 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to protest the oppressive salt tax. This peaceful act of non-violence, where he made salt from seawater, symbolized the people's defiance against British rule and spurred widespread participation from various Indian communities, including women, peasants, and students.
Mass Participation
The movement saw mass mobilization, with Indians boycotting British goods, refusing to pay taxes, and urging others to join the cause. This period highlighted the unity across diverse groups within Indian society in the struggle for national rights.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The movement faced repression, leading to Gandhi's participation in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931, where he agreed to suspend the campaign in exchange for the release of political prisoners and some concessions, reflecting a temporary resolution within the broader conflict for independence. Gandhi subsequently attended the Second Round Table Conference in London, attempting to negotiate India's demands for self-rule further.
This period from 1930 to 1934 was crucial as it not only amplified the demand for independence but also solidified Gandhi’s leadership role in mobilizing the masses for non-violent resistance against colonial rule.
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Causes of Civil Disobedience Movement
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Causes
- Simon Commission (1927) had no Indian members
- Demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) in 1929 at Lahore session
- Gandhi’s 11-point demands ignored by the government
Detailed Explanation
The Civil Disobedience Movement was initiated in response to various grievances. Firstly, the Simon Commission was formed in 1927, but it did not include any Indian members, which angered many Indians as they felt excluded from the decision-making process regarding their own governance. Secondly, at the Lahore session in 1929, there was a significant demand for 'Purna Swaraj', or complete independence from British rule, highlighting the growing desire for self-governance. Lastly, Gandhi's 11-point demands, which addressed economic grievances and political rights, were ignored by the British government, further fueling discontent among the Indian populace and leading to the launch of the movement.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a group of people making decisions about a community without including any members of that community. This would understandably frustrate those who are affected, similar to how Indians felt about the Simon Commission. The demand for complete independence can be likened to students demanding a voice in school rules; if their voices are ignored, it can lead to protests.
Dandi March (Salt March)
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Dandi March (Salt March)
- Gandhi’s 240-mile march from Sabarmati to Dandi (March 1930)
- Protested Salt Tax by making salt from seawater
- Marked the beginning of the movement
Detailed Explanation
The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, was a pivotal event in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Initiated by Gandhi in March 1930, this march covered 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi. The purpose was to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British, which required Indians to purchase salt from the British government, thus burdening them economically. To defy this unjust law, Gandhi and his followers made their own salt from seawater, symbolically challenging British authority and mark the official start of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like a community rebelling against a new unfair tax on essential items. If the government imposes a tax on something as basic as bread, people might decide to bake their own bread at home to protest the tax. Similarly, the Dandi March was about reclaiming the right to produce something as natural as salt.
Features of the Movement
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Features
- Mass participation (women, students, peasants)
- Boycott of British goods, refusal to pay taxes
Detailed Explanation
The Civil Disobedience Movement was characterized by extensive mass participation. It saw people from all walks of life, including women, students, and peasants, come together to oppose British rule. This inclusivity marked a significant shift in the Indian National Movement, making it more democratic and representative of Indian society. Additionally, one of the key features was the boycott of British goods, which encouraged Indians to support local industries and products, and a refusal to pay taxes that funded British rule. Such actions not only hurt the British economically but also fostered a sense of unity and nationalism among Indians.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a local community deciding to stop buying products from a company that does not support them. By choosing to support local businesses instead, the community not only takes a stand against the unfair practices but also strengthens its local economy. This was similar to the boycotts that occurred during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
- Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement
- Attended the Second Round Table Conference in London
Detailed Explanation
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a significant agreement made in 1931, marking a temporary truce in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Under this pact, Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement in exchange for certain concessions by the British government, including the release of political prisoners. This agreement also facilitated Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference in London, where discussions concerning India's political future took place. The pact highlighted Gandhi's strategy of negotiation and dialogue in the face of resistance.
Examples & Analogies
This is similar to a situation where two parties (like a student and a principal) agree to pause a protest to have a discussion about the issues at hand. By agreeing to stop, they can come together to negotiate solutions, potentially leading to changes that benefit both.
Key Concepts
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Civil Disobedience: Refusal to comply with laws considered unjust.
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Mass Participation: Wider sections of society took part in the movement.
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Dandi March: A significant protest against the salt tax initiated by Gandhi.
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Gandhi-Irwin Pact: An agreement that halted the movement temporarily.
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Purna Swaraj: The aspiration for complete independence from British rule.
Examples & Applications
Example of the Dandi March: Gandhi led thousands on a 240-mile trek to make salt from seawater, defying British laws.
Example of Mass Participation: The movement involved diverse groups including students, women, and farmers, illustrating a united front against colonial oppression.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Gandhi marched for salt in the sun, protesting taxes just wasn’t fun!
Stories
Once upon a time, a wise leader named Gandhi led a brave march to the sea, where he made salt from the ocean and brought the nation together for freedom!
Memory Tools
Use SIGNS to recall the causes: Simon Commission, Ignored demands, Growing discontent, National unity, and Swaraj demand.
Acronyms
BREAD helps us remember movement features
Boycott
Refusal
Emphasis on unity
Action
and Diversity.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Civil Disobedience
The active refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of an occupying international power, in this case, Britain's laws on India.
- Purna Swaraj
Complete independence from British rule, a demand made by Indian leaders during the National Movement.
- Simon Commission
A British committee formed in 1927 to study constitutional reforms in India, which did not include any Indian members.
- Dandi March
A 240-mile march led by Gandhi in 1930 to protest the British salt tax, representing a pivotal act of civil disobedience.
- GandhiIrwin Pact
An agreement in 1931 where Gandhi suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement in exchange for the release of prisoners and some concessions.
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