indian_history:non_cooperation_movement
Table of Contents
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant phase of the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. It was the first mass civil disobedience movement in India.
Background
Immediate Causes
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) - Brutal killing of peaceful protesters
- Rowlatt Act (1919) - Repressive legislation curtailing civil liberties
- Khilafat Issue - Concern over treatment of Ottoman Caliph post-WWI
- Economic hardships after World War I
Hunter Commission
- Set up to investigate Jallianwala Bagh
- Indians boycotted the commission
- Led to Congress's decision for non-cooperation
Launch and Programme
Formal Launch
- Started: August 1920
- Resolution passed: Special session of Congress in Calcutta
- Ratified: December 1920 in Nagpur session
Four-Stage Programme
Stage 1: Surrender of Titles and Honors
- Return of government-conferred titles
- Resignation from government posts
Stage 2: Boycott of Government Institutions
- Law courts, schools, colleges
- Legislative councils
Stage 3: Economic Boycott
- Foreign cloth and goods
- Promotion of Swadeshi products
Stage 4: Mass Civil Disobedience
- Non-payment of taxes
- Complete non-cooperation
Key Features
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Methods | Non-violent non-cooperation |
| Participation | Mass movement across classes |
| Duration | August 1920 - February 1922 |
| Slogan | “Swaraj in one year” |
Major Events
Constructive Programme
- Charkha (Spinning Wheel) promotion
- Khadi cloth production
- Boycott of foreign goods
- National education - Establishment of national schools
Mass Participation
- Students left government schools and colleges
- Lawyers like C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru gave up practice
- Peasants in UP, Bengal participated actively
- Working class joined strikes
Regional Impact
Different Regions
- Punjab: Strong response due to Jallianwala Bagh
- Bengal: Middle class participation, Khadi adoption
- Maharashtra: Peasant movements
- Gujarat: Gandhi's stronghold, maximum impact
- Tamil Nadu: Justice Party opposed movement
Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)
The Event
- Date: February 5, 1922
- Location: Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur (UP)
- What happened: Protesters burned police station, 22 policemen killed
- Gandhi's response: Immediately suspended movement
Impact
- Gandhi felt movement was becoming violent
- Fasting by Gandhi to atone for violence
- Suspension disappointed many Congress leaders
- Criticism from leaders like C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru
Outcomes and Assessment
Positive Outcomes
- Mass awakening and political consciousness
- Unity between Hindus and Muslims (Khilafat)
- Swadeshi movement boost to indigenous industries
- Women's participation in large numbers
- Rural masses entered freedom struggle
Limitations
- Sudden withdrawal after Chauri Chaura
- No concrete constitutional gains
- Hindu-Muslim unity was temporary
- Limited impact on British administration
Government Response
- Arrests of leaders including Gandhi (March 1922)
- Trial of Gandhi - Sentenced to 6 years imprisonment
- Suppression through force and legislation
Formation of Swaraj Party (1923)
Leaders: C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru
Objective:
- Enter legislatures to create deadlock
- Continue struggle from within the system
- Alternative to Gandhi's non-cooperation
Significance
- First mass movement involving all classes
- Demonstration of Gandhi's leadership and mass appeal
- Foundation for future civil disobedience movements
- Established pattern of non-violent resistance
- Training ground for future leaders
UPSC Relevance
- Paper: General Studies Paper I (Modern History)
- Key Topics: Causes, features, impact, Chauri Chaura
- Previous Year Questions:
- Analyze Gandhi's role in Non-Cooperation Movement (2021)
- Impact of Non-Cooperation Movement on different social groups (2019)
- Reasons for suspension after Chauri Chaura (2018)
Memory Tips
REMEMBER: Gandhi Led Non-Cooperation Against British
- Gandhi - Leader
- Led - Leadership
- Non - Non-cooperation
- Cooperation - With British
- Against - Opposition
- British - Colonial rule
Key Dates
- 1919: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- August 1920: Movement launched
- December 1920: Nagpur session ratification
- February 1922: Chauri Chaura incident
- March 1922: Gandhi's arrest
Related Topics
← Back to Indian History | Home
Sources: NCERT Class 12 History, Bipin Chandra's India's Struggle for Independence
indian_history/non_cooperation_movement.txt · Last modified: by 127.0.0.1
