Question

Causes of non cooperation movement

Answer 1

Factors leading to the movement. The Non-cooperation movement was a reaction to the oppressive policies of the British Indian government such as the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. ...
Satyagraha. Main article: Satyagraha. ...
Success and suspension. ...
End of non-cooperation. ...
Savings. ...
See also. ...
References. ...
Further reading.

Answer 2

1. Disillusion at the end of the war: There were some Indians who did not want to cooperate with the government during the war but Gandhiji thought it improper to take advantage of the weak position of the rulers. With the outbreak of the World War I, India came to be involved in the War as a part of the British Empire.

The British Government utilized India’s wealth, money and manpower for its own interest. About 1.25 million Indian soldiers fought on behalf of the British in different war fronts and many of them sacrificed their lives. They also donated about six crores and 21 lac pounds as war subscription.

So, Indians expected that in return of this valuable service, the British Government would grant autonomy to them at the end of the War. But they were greatly disillusioned. This dis-satisfaction was one of the causes of the Non-cooperation Movement by Gandhi.

2. Home Rule movement: Indians were disappointed to see the British government adopting repressive measures. In response to it Tilak and Besant started Home Rule movement. The Lucknow Pact had brought the Congress and the Muslim League closer together. The return of the Extremists to the Congress in 1916 gave the Congress a militant character.

The Home Rule movement prepared the ground for Non-Cooperation Movement.

3. Economic distress caused by the World War I: The War brought about great economic distress to the Indians. At the end of the war, the economic condition took a turn of the worse. Prices shot up. Price of cloths, sugar etc., began to soar. Foreign goods began to be imported.

Both the peasants and the workers suffered due to the impact of war. The price of agricultural products did not increase. The workers being unemployed had to live in half starvation.

According to Louis Fischer, not only political leaders, but also the soldiers and even the peasants claimed compensations for shedding Indian blood.

Impact of the Rowlatt Act: The passing of the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy gave a new turn to Indian politics. Gandhiji became firm in the policy of non-cooperation. The Rowlatt Act tried to put restriction upon the liberty of speech and Press, and this was taken to be a signal for still greater repressive measures from the British government. The whole of the nation rose in indignation against the government, and like a wild fire there was a wave of an agitation all over the country.

5. The Khilafat movement: The Khilafat leaders were told that they should not expect anything more. So, the Khilafat Committee accepted the suggestion of non-cooperation and asked Gandhi to lead the movement.

Thus it was apparent that the Congress had to work out something soon, for it was clear that the people were becoming impatient for action. So, the all India congress Committee met to decide on its course of action. The Nagpur session of the congress confirmed the resolution of starting non-cooperation movement. Gandhiji assured the nation that the Swaraj would be achieved within a year.