Detailed Summary of the Quit India Movement (1942)
The Quit India Movement, initiated on August 8, 1942, was a pivotal moment in India's liberation struggle, primarily driven by Mahatma Gandhi's call for immediate independence from British rule. This movement arose from several significant factors:
Causes:
- Failure of the Cripps Mission (1942): This British proposal to grant India some self-governance during World War II was rejected, leading to nationwide frustration.
- British involvement in World War II: The British decision to enter the war without Indian consent created resentment among Indians, who felt they were being used as pawns in foreign conflicts.
- Growing discontent: Inflation, shortages of essential goods, and the economic hardships during the war further fueled public anger.
Gandhi’s Call:
- Gandhi famously declared, “Do or Die,” urging every Indian to contribute to the push for independence.
Features of the Movement:
- Most major leaders of the Indian National Congress were arrested, leading to widespread and spontaneous uprisings across the country, including sabotage of communication lines and strikes.
- The response from the British was severe and brutal repression, attempting to quell the unrest violently.
Significance:
- The Quit India Movement represented the most intense phase of the Indian independence struggle, demonstrating an overwhelming demand for immediate self-rule and making it clear that the time for gradual reforms had passed.