Mahatma Gandhi

Satyagraha Movements

1. Champaran- The British exploited the indigo cultivators. They were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land and sell it at a price fixed by the British planters to them

2. Ahmedabad: The mill workers went on a strike against the mill owners when they refused to raise their salaries. When the workers weakened, Gandhi joined their movement and went on a hunger strike. The wages were increased by 35%

3. Kheda: Crops had failed that year, and peasants could not pay land revenue. The government did not agree to forgo it. Gandhi helped the peasants, and the government was forced to come to an agreement with them

Rowllat Act

1. Arrest of a person without a warrant

2. In camera trial (trial in seclusion)

3. Restriction on the movements of an individual

4. Suspension of the right of Habeas Corpus

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

A large but peaceful crowd had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to protest the Rowlatt Act. General Dyer closed the only gate and opened fire from over 50 troops till their ammunition was exhausted. This killed over a thousand innocent people

Boycott: NCM

1. Boycott of government institutions, colleges, and courts

2. Boycott of foreign goods

3. Surrender of honorary and official titles

4. Refusal to attend government functions

Swadeshi: NCM

1. Promotion of Swadeshi and Khadi by reviving handmade goods

2. Emancipation and upliftment of women

3. Abolition of untouchability

4. Development of Hindu and Muslim unity

Impact of the non-cooperation movement

1. Involvement of the masses: The movement was able to acquire a mass base and gain participation from different sectors of society

2. Instillment of confidence in the people: Generated the desire for swaraj and inspired people to challenge the colonial rule

3. Fostering Hindu-Muslim unity: provided the Congress an opportunity to bring urban Muslims into the movement

4. Spread Nationalism throughout the country: The Congress was enabled to function as a continuous organization. It was able to reach small villages

What was decided in the session led by Nehru/ at the Lahore session?

1. Preparation for Civil Disobedience

2. Swaraj in the Congress would mean Complete Independence

3. Resignation from all members of the legislature

4. 26th Jan would be Poorna Swaraj day

Civil Disobedience Programme

1. Boycott of liquor

2. Breaking the Salt Law (the government had a monopoly on the salt)

3. Boycott of foreign clothes or goods

4. Non payment of taxes and revenues

Gandhi Irwin Pact

The Government:
1. Release all political prisoners, except those guilty of violence
2. Withdraw all ordinances and prosecutions
3. Allow free collection and manufacturing of salt for people living on the coast
4. Allow peaceful picketing of foreign goods and liquor

The Congress
1. Withdraw CDM
2. Participation in the second session of the round table conference
3. Not to press for further investigation in the police excesses

Impact of the CDM

1. Made people understand the principles of nonviolence

2. Widened the base of the freedom struggle. A large number of groups participated

3. Brought women out of their homes to participate in the movement as equals

4. Revived the will to fight against the elections