1. The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation
The war created a new economic and political situation. It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure which was financed by war loans and increasing taxes. Through the war years, prices increased – doubling between 1913 and 1918 – leading to extreme hardship for the common people.
In January 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, bringing the novel method of mass agitation called Satyagraha. The idea of satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and the need to search for truth.
2. The Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh (1919)
Emboldened with this success, Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919). This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members.
- 13 April 1919: The infamous Jallianwala Bagh incident took place.
- General Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit points, and opened fire on the peaceful crowd.
3. Towards Civil Disobedience
In February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement as he felt the movement was turning violent (Chauri Chaura incident). In 1930, Gandhiji started the Civil Disobedience Movement by famously breaking the salt law at Dandi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why was the Non-Cooperation movement called off?A. It was called off due to the violent Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 where a peaceful demonstration turned into a violent clash with the police.
Q. What was the significance of the Salt March?A. The Salt March marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Salt was consumed by rich and poor alike, making it a powerful symbol of resistance against the British monopoly.
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