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Beginning of Mass Nationalism (1919-1939)
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What were the main causes and consequences of World War II, and how did it reshape the global landscape?
World War II had several key causes, including the punitive Treaty of Versailles, which left Germany economically devastated and politically unstable. The global economic instability of the Great Depression further fueled extremist ideologies, leading to the rise of totalitarian regimes in Germany,Read more
World War II had several key causes, including the punitive Treaty of Versailles, which left Germany economically devastated and politically unstable. The global economic instability of the Great Depression further fueled extremist ideologies, leading to the rise of totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan, all of which pursued aggressive expansionist policies.
Major events included Germany’s invasion of Poland, the Battle of Britain, Operation Barbarossa, D-Day, and the Battle of Midway. The Holocaust was a horrific genocide, resulting in the murder of six million Jews and millions of others.
The war’s consequences were profound. Geopolitically, it led to the division of Germany, the emergence of the US and USSR as superpowers, and the onset of the Cold War. The United Nations was established to promote global peace and cooperation. Decolonization accelerated as European powers weakened, leading to new nations gaining independence. The war also spurred economic reconstruction efforts, notably the Marshall Plan, and significant technological and scientific advancements.
World War II reshaped international relations, emphasizing human rights, economic recovery, and technological innovation. Its legacy continues to influence global society, marking a pivotal point in modern history.
See lessExamine the role played by the press in the early phase of the Indian national movement. Also, state the challenges faced by the Indian press during the period.
During the early phase of the Indian national movement (1850s-1920s), the press played a vital role in spreading awareness and mobilizing public opinion against British rule. Indian newspapers like the Bengal Gazette, Amrita Bazar Patrika, and The Hindu emerged as powerful voices against colonialismRead more
During the early phase of the Indian national movement (1850s-1920s), the press played a vital role in spreading awareness and mobilizing public opinion against British rule. Indian newspapers like the Bengal Gazette, Amrita Bazar Patrika, and The Hindu emerged as powerful voices against colonialism. They published news, editorials, and articles that exposed British atrocities, promoted nationalist ideas, and inspired people to join the freedom struggle.
However, the Indian press faced significant challenges during this period. The British government imposed strict censorship laws, like the Vernacular Press Act (1878), to control the spread of nationalist ideas. Many newspapers were forced to shut down, and editors were arrested or fined for publishing “seditious” material. Despite these obstacles, the Indian press continued to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the national movement.
In simple terms, the press was a powerful tool for the Indian national movement, but it faced many challenges from the British government, which tried to control what was published. Despite this, the press continued to inspire and mobilize people to fight for freedom.
See lessDespite the Chauri Chaura incident slowing down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while, the Non-Cooperation Movement remains a watershed in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. Discuss.
The Chauri Chaura incident occurred in the last phase of the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). On February 5, 1922, the police had opened fire on the protestors who were protesting against liquor sale and high food prices. In retaliation, the agitated crowd torched the police station with policemen inRead more
The Chauri Chaura incident occurred in the last phase of the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). On February 5, 1922, the police had opened fire on the protestors who were protesting against liquor sale and high food prices. In retaliation, the agitated crowd torched the police station with policemen inside resulting in the death of 22 policemen.
The Chauri Chaura incident slowed down the momentum of Indian freedom struggle for a while due to the following reasons:
However, the NCM still remains a watershed in the history of Indian freedom struggle because:
Moreover, the Non-Cooperation Movement established a strong base for future endeavours of the nationalists as seen in the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement where people participated in large numbers. This paved the path for uprooting the British government from India in 1947.
See lessElaborate on the role of the Non-Cooperation Movement in advancing mass nationalism and promoting civil disobedience. Specifically, highlight the Gandhian principles that guided the movement and their influence on its outcomes.
The Non-Cooperation Movement, started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a crucial step in India's fight for independence from British rule. This movement aimed to rally the masses and promote civil disobedience through peaceful means, guided by the principles of Gandhi. • Gandhian Principles Guiding thRead more
The Non-Cooperation Movement, started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a crucial step in India’s fight for independence from British rule. This movement aimed to rally the masses and promote civil disobedience through peaceful means, guided by the principles of Gandhi.
• Gandhian Principles Guiding the Movement
1. Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Gandhi firmly believed that non-violence was the most powerful weapon against oppression. He urged Indians to withdraw their support from British institutions and boycott British goods without resorting to violence.
2. Truth and Firmness (Satyagraha): Satyagraha involved holding onto the truth and peacefully resisting injustice. Gandhi encouraged Indians to stand firm against unfair British laws and policies without using violence.
3. Self-Reliance (Swadeshi): The movement emphasized using Indian-made products and boycotting British goods. This aimed to weaken the British economy and boost India’s self-reliance.
• Spread of Civil Disobedience and Nationalism
The Non-Cooperation Movement effectively spread the idea of civil disobedience across India in several ways:
1. Boycott of British Goods and Institutions: Indians were encouraged to stop buying British goods, withdraw their children from British-run schools, and resign from British jobs. This non-cooperation shook the British administration’s control over India.
2. Mass Participation: The movement involved millions of Indians, including farmers, workers, and students. This broad participation helped spread nationalist ideas to all corners of the country.
3. Promotion of Khadi: Gandhi promoted spinning and wearing khadi (homespun cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance. This initiative not only fostered economic independence but also united people in a shared cause.
•Influence on Outcomes
The principles of non-violence and civil disobedience significantly influenced the movement’s outcomes:
1. Unity and Empowerment: The adoption of non-violence united people from different regions and communities in a peaceful struggle. This collective effort empowered ordinary citizens, giving them a sense of participation and ownership in the independence movement.
2. Moral High Ground: The non-violent nature of the protests attracted international sympathy and moral support for India’s cause. It highlighted the British as oppressors and portrayed Indians as seekers of justice.
3. Foundation for Future Movements: Although the Non-Cooperation Movement was called off in 1922 due to incidents of violence, it set the stage for future civil disobedience campaigns, such as the Salt March in 1930. The lessons learned and strategies developed during this period were refined and successfully used in subsequent struggles for independence.
In summary, the Non-Cooperation Movement was pivotal in spreading civil disobedience and fostering a broad-based nationalist movement in India. Guided by Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance, it united millions of Indians against British rule and laid the foundation for future successes in the fight for independence.
See lessDiscuss the nature and circumstances of the Communal Award and the reactions of various groups and parties towards it.
The Communal Award was announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in August 1932 on the basis of the findings of the Indian Franchise Committee. It established separate electorates and reserved seats for minorities, including the depressed classes, which were granted 78 reserved seats.Read more
The Communal Award was announced by the British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald in August 1932 on the basis of the findings of the Indian Franchise Committee. It established separate electorates and reserved seats for minorities, including the depressed classes, which were granted 78 reserved seats.
The nature of the Award is as follows:
Circumstances of the Communal Award:
Reactions towards it:
As a reaction to the Award, Gandhiji demanded that the depressed classes be elected through a joint electorate and with reserved seats. To press his demand, he went on an indefinite fast on September 20, 1932. Later, various leaders, including B.R. Ambedkar, M.C. Rajah and Madan Mohan Malviya got together to work out a compromise, which was the Poona Pact.
See lessThe Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-34 was marked by a unique character, regional spatial patterns and employment of new mobilization techniques. Elucidate.
Mahatma Gandhi kick-started the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) with the historic Dandi march against the repressive Salt Act of the British government. The Civil Disobedience Movement was marked by a unique character, regional spatial patterns and employment of new mobilization techniques, asRead more
Mahatma Gandhi kick-started the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) with the historic Dandi march against the repressive Salt Act of the British government. The Civil Disobedience Movement was marked by a unique character, regional spatial patterns and employment of new mobilization techniques, as discussed below:
Unique in character:
Spread and pattern of the movement:
Mobilization techniques followed:
The Civil Disobedience Movement, truly marked by an all-India character and spirit, is a milestone in India’s struggle for independence. The movement was temporarily withdrawn in the wake of the Gandhi-Irwin pact. However, after the failure of the Second Round Table Conference in 1932, the movement was resumed and finally fully withdrawn in 1934.
See lessTrace the evolution of the Swaraj Party in India and highlight its achievements. Also, discuss its shortcomings.
The Swaraj Party or the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party was formed in 1923 by C R Das and Motilal Nehru. Its formation was a result of various significant events like the withdrawal of the Non- Cooperation Movement (NCM), reforms introduced in the Government of India Act 1919 and announcement of 19Read more
The Swaraj Party or the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party was formed in 1923 by C R Das and Motilal Nehru. Its formation was a result of various significant events like the withdrawal of the Non- Cooperation Movement (NCM), reforms introduced in the Government of India Act 1919 and announcement of 1923 elections. In 1920, Gandhiji and Congress committed themselves to Swaraj (self-rule) and called for NCM. However, its sudden suspension by Gandhiji after Chauri-Chaura (1922) led to divided opinions in the Congress. While some wanted to continue non-cooperation, others wanted to end the legislature boycott and contest in the upcoming elections of 1923. The former were called no- changers such as Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, C Rajagopalachari, etc. The others who wanted to enter the legislative council and obstruct the British government from within were called the pro-changers. These leaders included C R Das, Motilal Nehru, Vithalbhai Patel, etc. In the Gaya session (1922), the proposal to enter the legislatures was defeated. Thus, Das and other pro-changers broke away from the Congress and formed the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party. When Gandhiji got discharged from jail, he brought about an agreement between the two in the Belgaum Session, 1924. Finally in the backdrop of the Simon Commission, 1928 and non-acceptance of the Nehru Report by the Government in 1929, Congress adopted ‘Purna Swaraj’ and stopped its Council Entry program. Consequently, the Swaraj Party lost its relevance and merged with the Congress again.
Achievements of Swarajists
Shortcomings of the Swarajists:
Though the Swarajists lost much ground in the 1926 elections, they played a significant role in keeping the spirit of anti-British protest alive during political vacuum post-NCM by exposing the misdeeds of the alien government and the hollowness of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.
See lessProvide an account of the evolution of the Home Rule movement in India along with its contributions.
Answer: The Home Rule Movement was started on the lines of the Irish Home Rule League by the All India Home Rule League to obtain the status of a Dominion within the British Empire as enjoyed by Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. It was the Indian response to the First World War in a lRead more
Answer: The Home Rule Movement was started on the lines of the Irish Home Rule League by the All India Home Rule League to obtain the status of a Dominion within the British Empire as enjoyed by Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. It was the Indian response to the First World War in a less charged but more effective way. Evolution of the Home Rule movement:
Contributions of the Home Rule movement:
The Home Rule Leagues and the associated activities had some positive effects and contributed to the freedom struggle in the coming years.
See lessThe initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad and Kheda marked Gandhiji as a nationalist with a deep sympathy for the poor. Discuss.
Answer: In January 1915, Gandhi ji returned to India after his struggle in South Africa, where he got the opportunity to evolve his own style of politics and leadership. Gandhiji realized that Satyagraha is the only viable way to fight against tyranny of Britishers. He also believed that non-violencRead more
Answer: In January 1915, Gandhi ji returned to India after his struggle in South Africa, where he got the opportunity to evolve his own style of politics and leadership. Gandhiji realized that Satyagraha is the only viable way to fight against tyranny of Britishers. He also believed that non-violence and involvement of masses including poor and lower strata of society is important for the success of the freedom movement. His earliest successful Initiatives in India reflected that he had deep sympathy for poor i.e.:
With his active involvement in the three movements, Gandhi tested his methods and consolidated his style of leadership in the Indian context:
These initiatives established Gandhiji as a true nationalist with a compassion for the poor and needy. The impact of this image was felt in the upcoming years. It was this reservoir of goodwill, and of experience, that encouraged Gandhiji, in February 1919, to call for a nation-wide protest against the unpopular legislation (Rowlatt Act) that the British were threatening to introduce.
See lessIllustrate the reasons behind the rise of revolutionary activities post the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer: The revolutionaries had faced severe repression during the First World War. But in early 1920, many of them were released to allow a harmonious environment for the Montford Reforms to work. Gandhi soon launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). Persuaded by Gandhiji and C.R. Das, many revoRead more
Answer: The revolutionaries had faced severe repression during the First World War. But in early 1920, many of them were released to allow a harmonious environment for the Montford Reforms to work. Gandhi soon launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM). Persuaded by Gandhiji and C.R. Das, many revolutionary groups either agreed to join the non-cooperation programme or suspend their activities to give the non-violent Non-Cooperation Movement a chance. However, there was a rise in revolutionary activities post the NCM due to the following reasons:
Two separate strands of revolutionary groups emerged during this period-one operating in Punjab-UP-Bihar and the other in Bengal. Owing to government repression and factionalism among the revolutionaries, revolutionary activity suffered a setback, but soon many of revolutionaries started regrouping new smaller groups and continued work underground like the new ‘Revolt Groups’, under Surya Sen (Chittagong Group).
See less