Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)
The Non-Cooperation Movement marked a pivotal phase in India's struggle for independence, led by Mahatma Gandhi from 1920 to 1922. It emerged as a direct response to oppressive British laws and incidents such as the Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed for arrest without trial, and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), which fueled widespread anger against British rule. The movement also sought to address the grievances of the Khilafat Movement, which rallied support for the Ottoman Caliphate.
Key Features:
- Causes:
- Rowlatt Act: Legalized detentions without trial, igniting public outrage.
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A brutal massacre that resulted in significant loss of life and encouraged the call for resistance.
- Khilafat Movement: Aims to support the Caliph of Turkey, connecting with the Muslim community.
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Gandhi's Call: Advocated for a peaceful non-cooperation strategy against colonial rule.
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Programmes:
- Boycotts of British goods, honors, educational institutions, and legal courts, emphasizing a shift towards self-sufficiency.
- Promotion of Swadeshi and Khadi (hand-spun cloth), symbolizing economic independence.
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Encouragement of Indians to resign from government jobs as a form of protest.
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Suspension of Movement:
- The movement was called off in 1922 following the violent Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters clashed with police, resulting in the deaths of policemen.
This movement played a crucial role in galvanizing the Indian populace and instilling a sense of unity and national identity against colonial oppression.