Main Stages Leading to India’s Independence
- Gandhi and Civil Disobedience
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) led India’s independence movement through nonviolent methods.
- Advocated Satyagraha (civil disobedience) to resist British laws.
- Major actions included boycotting British goods and Salt March to Dandi.
- Gandhi’s speech in 1916 and the Amritsar Massacre (1919) intensified nationalism and resistance against British colonial rule.
- The Simon Commission (1922)
- Formed to investigate causes of unrest in India.
- The Commission recommended granting self-government to Indian provinces.
- Its formation was met with widespread opposition as it lacked Indian representation.
- The Round Table Conferences (1930-1935)
- Meetings between British officials and Indian leaders to discuss future governance.
- First Round Table Conference (1930) and the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) aimed to ease tensions.
- Second Round Table Conference (1931) failed over minority representation but gave India a dominion status and led to the Government of India Act.
- The Government of India Act (1935)
- It granted Indian provincial self-government and limited voting rights based on property ownership.
- The General Elections (1937)
- The elections gave the Indian National Congress a significant majority, but tensions with the Muslim League rose, leading to demands for a separate Muslim state.
Key Events and Contributions:
- Gandhi united diverse Indian communities for nonviolent resistance.
- The Amritsar Massacre (1919) galvanized national sentiment.
- The Salt March (1930) symbolized defiance against British laws.
- Round Table Conferences and Gandhi-Irwin Pact pushed India toward self-rule.
- The Government of India Act and elections paved the way for eventual independence.
Challenges and Delays:
- World War II diverted focus from independence.
- Conflict between Hindus and Muslims delayed unity.
- The Muslim League’s demand for a separate state (Pakistan) grew stronger after 1937.
India eventually gained independence on 15th August 1947 after years of struggle, negotiations, and political developments.