1 The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation for notes.
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The First World War (1914), created a new economic and political situation worldwide. It led a huge increase in defence expenditure which was financed by war loans and increasing taxes; custom duties were raised and income tax introduced.
Impact of the First World War on Society
Between 1913 to 1918, the prices of foodgrains increased largely which led to extreme hardship for the common people. The peasantry suffered from heavy rents and taxes. Villagers were called upon to supply soldiers. This forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger. After the war, foreign goods once again began to be imported and foreign capital began to be invested in a large sdale. Indian industries faced heavy losses and even closure.
Social Conditions after the War
In 1918-19 and 1920-21, crops failed in many parts of India, resulting in acute shortage of food. There was also an influenza epidemic. According to the census of 1921, 12 to 13 million people died as a result of famines and the epidemic. People hoped their sufferings would be reduced after the war, but that did not happen.
Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi
In such critical social conditions, a new leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi appeared. He suggested a new method of action, and he was popularly known as Bapu or Mahatma Gandhi.
The Idea of Satyagraha
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January, 1915. His heroic fight for the Indians in South Africa was well-known. His novel method of mass agitation known as Satyagraha had yielded good results. Satyagraha was method of agitation and protest based on truth and non-violence. It was passive resistance consisting of defiance of laws, non-payment of taxes, boycott of government institutions, etc. It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor. Withoutbeing aggressive, a Satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi believed that this dharma of non-violence could unite all Indians.
Satyagraha in India
After arriving in India, Mahatma Gandhi successfully organised Satyagraha movements at various places. The experiments in Satyagraha brought Gandhiji into close touch with the masses, both the peasants in the rural areas and the workers in the urban areas. In course of time, he became the symbol of the poor and the down-trodden people. Some places where Satyagraha really affected the society are given below
Champaran (Bihar)
In 1916, Gandhiji travelled to Champaran in Bihar to inspire the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system. Here, indigo planters were oppressed to grow indigo and sell it at price fixed by European owners.
Kheda (Gujarat)
In 1917, crops failed in Kheda district of Gujarat, people were suffering from shortage of food and plague epidemic so they asked for relaxation or reduction in the land revenue. But the government refused to remit land revenue and insisted on its full collection. Gandhiji supported the peasants and advised them not to pay revenue till their demand of its remission was met. This movement was a success as government issued instructions that revenue should be recovered only from those peasants who could afford to pay. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel accompanied Gandhiji in this movement.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi interfered in a dispute between workers and cotton mill owners of Ahmedabad. He advised the workers to go on strike till their demands were met.
The Rowlatt Act
The Rowlatt Act, in 1919 was passed through the Imperial Legislative Council inspite of opposition of the Indian members. Rowlatt Act gave the government enormous power to repress political activities. According to this act, the political prisoners could be detained in prison for two years without any trial. Gandhiji decided to try to oppose it with Satyagraha.
Gandhiji’s Opposition to Rowlatt Act
Gandhiji opposed Rowlatt Act by non-violent civil disobedience movement. Rallies were organised in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops and shops were closed down. 6th April, 1919 was observed as Satyagraha Day when people all over the country observed fast and hartal. It was the first countrywide agitation by Gandhiji, and marked the foundation of the Non-Cooperation Movement.To suppress the movement, the British barred the local leaders from Amritsar, and Mahatma Gandhi from entering Delhi. On 10th April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession. It provoked widespread attacks on banks, post offices and railway stations. Martial law was imposed and General Dyer took command.
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