Question

Describe the causes and results of Civil Disobedience Movement.

Hint:

When discussing the Civil Disobedience Movement, always start with the Dandi March as the trigger event. Structure your answer by clearly separating the "Causes" (Simon Commission, Purna Swaraj) from the "Results" (Gandhi-Irwin Pact, mass participation).

Answer 1

The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a pivotal phase in India's struggle for independence. It marked a significant escalation from the Non-Cooperation Movement of the early 1920s, involving the deliberate and non-violent breaking of laws.
Causes of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
\begin{enumerate}
The Simon Commission (1928): The British government appointed an all-white commission under Sir John Simon to review the constitutional setup in India. The exclusion of Indians from the commission was seen as an insult and led to widespread protests and boycotts under the slogan "Simon Go Back."
Rejection of the Nehru Report (1928): Indian political parties, in response to the Simon Commission, drafted a constitutional framework known as the Nehru Report, which demanded dominion status for India. The British government's lack of response to this demand caused deep dissatisfaction.
Lahore Congress Session and 'Purna Swaraj' (1929): At its Lahore session, the Indian National Congress, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) as its goal. It was decided that 26th January 1930 would be celebrated as Independence Day, and a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement would be launched.
Rejection of Gandhi's 11-Point Ultimatum: Before launching the movement, Gandhi presented an 11-point ultimatum to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, which included demands like the abolition of the salt tax, reduction of land revenue, and release of political prisoners. The Viceroy's rejection of these demands set the stage for the movement.
Economic Hardship: The Great Depression of 1929 had a severe impact on the Indian economy. Prices of agricultural produce plummeted, leading to immense hardship for peasants and farmers, creating a fertile ground for a mass movement. \end{enumerate} Results and Significance of the Movement:
\begin{enumerate}
The Dandi March and Widespread Defiance: The movement began with Gandhi's historic Dandi March (Salt March) in March-April 1930, where he and his followers broke the salt law. This act of defiance inspired millions across India to break the salt law and other oppressive laws.
Mass Participation: The movement saw an unprecedented level of mass participation. People from all walks of life, including peasants, workers, and students, joined in. A notable feature was the large-scale participation of women, who came out of their homes to take part in processions and picketing.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): The widespread impact of the movement compelled the British government to negotiate. Lord Irwin signed a pact with Mahatma Gandhi in March 1931. As part of the pact, the government agreed to release political prisoners, and the Congress agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London.
Second Round Table Conference and Resumption of Movement: Gandhi attended the conference as the sole representative of the Congress, but the talks failed. Upon his return, he found that the government had resumed its repressive policies, leading to the resumption of the movement in 1932, which continued until 1934.
Increased Political Consciousness: Although the movement did not achieve immediate independence, it significantly radicalized the Indian masses. It instilled a new sense of confidence and a determination to fight for freedom. It demonstrated the power of non-violent satyagraha on a massive scale.
Foundation for Future Reforms: The movement put immense pressure on the British, which eventually contributed to the passing of the Government of India Act of 1935, which granted a degree of provincial autonomy. \end{enumerate}