The Civil Disobedience Movement stands as a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance in the pursuit of justice and freedom. Rooted in the principles of peaceful protest and moral conviction, this movement has been instrumental in challenging oppressive regimes, advocating for civil rights, and fostering social change throughout history.
Emerging as a potent force in various struggles for justice across the globe, the Civil Disobedience Movement embodies the courage and determination of individuals and communities to challenge unjust laws and systems through acts of nonviolent resistance. From Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership in India’s fight for independence to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., the essence of civil disobedience has profoundly shaped the course of history.
The Civil Disobedience Movement, also called Salt Satyagraha, was a major protest in India in 1930, seen as a big step forward in the fight for independence after the Non-Cooperation Movement. It was the first time the Indian National Congress demanded complete freedom from British rule, involving people from all parts of society.
Mahatma Gandhi kicked off the movement on April 6, 1930, by breaking the salt law during his famous Dandi March. This led to the arrest of many national leaders across the country.
Background
Calcutta Session of Congress (1928)
- In 1928, a meeting of Congress was held in Calcutta, led by Motilal Nehru.
- They supported the Nehru Report and asked for Dominion status for India.
Demand for Dominion status:
- Some Congress members, like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Bose, wanted complete independence instead of Dominion status.
- They gave the British a year to grant Dominion status, or else they would start a Civil Disobedience Movement.
Irwin’s Declaration (October 1929)
- The British Viceroy, Lord Irwin, promised to consider giving Dominion status to India.
- But he didn’t give a specific timeline, which upset Congress.
Round Table Conference:
- A conference was promised after the Simon Commission’s report.
- Congress wanted more representation and a clear timeline for Dominion status.
Delhi Manifesto (November 2, 1929)
- Prominent leaders made demands for Dominion status, more Congress representation, amnesty for prisoners, and conciliation.
Lahore Session (1929) and Purna Swaraj
- Congress rejected Irwin’s offers and chose Jawaharlal Nehru as president.
- They declared Purna Swaraj, or complete independence, as their goal.
- They hoisted the tricolor flag and decided to boycott the Round Table Conferences.
- They declared January 26 as Independence Day and announced Gandhi would lead the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Gandhi’s Eleven Demands
Gandhi proposed a minimum demand of 11 points to the British to accept or reject until January 31, 1930, this included:
- Reduce rupee-sterling ratio to 1s 4d
- Reduce Agricultural tax by 50% and make it a subject of legislative control
- Eliminate the government’s monopoly on salt and abolish the salt tax
- Reduce military expenditure and salaries of highest-grade services
- Release all political prisoners
- Reform in the Criminal Investigation Department
- Accept Postal Reservation Bill
- Protect Indian Textiles
- Prohibition of intoxicants
- Reserve coastal shipping for Indians
- Allow popular control of the issue of firearm licences
Causes of Launch of Civil Disobedience Movement
Salt Tax:
- The British charged a heavy tax on salt, making it hard for poor Indians to afford.
- They controlled salt production and sale, which people found unfair.
Simon Commission:
- In 1928, the British sent the Simon Commission to India to suggest changes to the law.
- Indians didn’t like it because it had only British members, so they boycotted it.
Demand for Purna Swaraj:
- The Indian National Congress said they wanted complete self-rule, called Purna Swaraj, on January 26, 1930.
- This demand was a big reason for the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Repression by British Government:
- The British made strict laws like the Rowlatt Act, which angered Indians.
- They used force to control protests, making people more upset.
Features of Civil Disobedience Movement
- Mass Participation: Many people from different parts of society joined the movement, making it very big.
- Non-Violent Nature: Following Gandhi’s ideas, the movement stayed peaceful and didn’t use violence against the British.
- Wide-ranging Boycotts: People refused to buy British goods, use British services, or support British institutions. They focused on promoting Indian-made goods instead.
- Inclusion of Women: Women played an active role in the movement, which was new compared to earlier protests.
- Global Impact: The movement got attention worldwide because of its peaceful methods, showing how India was fighting for freedom.
Dandi March
- Gandhi told the British Viceroy, Lord Irwin, beforehand that he would break the salt laws.
- On March 12, 1930, Gandhi and 78 supporters started walking from Ahmedabad to the Dandi coast. They arrived on April 5, 1930.
- Gandhi broke the salt laws on April 6, officially starting the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Form of protest:
- Breaking the salt laws.
- Standing outside liquor and foreign cloth shops to protest.
- Refusing to pay taxes.
- Giving up their jobs as lawyers.
- Avoiding going to court.
- Quitting government jobs.
- Following truth and non-violence to achieve self-rule.
- Following local leaders’ instructions after Gandhi was arrested.
Spread of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Impact of Civil Disobedience Movement
- It got many Indians, especially those who were usually ignored, involved in the fight for freedom.
- By focusing on fairness and including everyone, it challenged the old caste system and brought different groups together.
- Women played a big part, breaking old rules and becoming stronger in the fight for freedom.
- People breaking British laws made the British government look weak and lost their control.
- The success of the movement made people feel more patriotic and united against British rule.
- Gandhi’s peaceful ways and the movement’s success made other countries notice India’s struggle for freedom.
- By boycotting British goods and services, the movement hurt the British economy.
- Using Indian-made things helped the Indian economy grow and made people feel proud of their own goods.
- Because of the movement’s success, people started asking for fairer ways of sharing money and resources.
Also Read: Nehru Report .