Explore the resumption of the Civil Disobedience movement, key events, government actions, and popular responses from December 1931 onward. Discover the significance of this crucial phase in India's independence struggle.
Civil Disobedience Resumed in India: A Crucial Moment in the Independence Movement
Civil Disobedience Resumed in December 1931
Date: December 29, 1931
Overview: On December 29, 1931, the Congress Working Committee decided to resume the civil disobedience movement following the failure of the Second Round Table Conference.
Key Events During the Truce Period (March-December 1931)
Activities: During the truce period between March and December 1931, several protests continued to challenge British rule:
United Provinces: The movement focused on rent reduction and opposition to summary evictions.
NWFP: Severe repression against Khudai Khidmatgars and peasants protesting tax-collection methods.
Bengal: The British administration used draconian ordinances and engaged in mass detentions under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
Hijli Jail: A violent incident occurred in September 1931 involving the firing on political prisoners.
Changed Government Attitude After the Second Round Table Conference
Government's Response: Following the Second Round Table Conference, British officials aimed to reverse Congress' political gains and maintain control. Key considerations included:
1. Gandhi's Movement: Preventing Gandhi from gaining momentum for a mass movement.
2. Confidence of Loyalists: Strengthening the loyalty of government functionaries instead of relying on Congress support.
3. Rural Consolidation: Preventing the national movement from consolidating in rural areas.
Actions: After the CWC's decision to resume the civil disobedience movement, Viceroy Willingdon refused to meet Gandhi on December 31, and Gandhi was arrested on January 4, 1932.
Government Action: Repressive Measures
Repressive Ordinances: The government issued a series of repressive ordinances leading to a civil martial law. Key actions included:
1. Banning Congress Organizations: The British authorities banned Congress organizations at all levels.
2. Arrests and Confiscations: Activists, leaders, and sympathizers were arrested, and properties were confiscated.
3. Occupation of Gandhi's Ashrams: The ashrams of Gandhi were occupied.
4. Press Censorship: The press was censored, and nationalist literature was banned.
5. Repression of Women: Women faced particularly harsh repression.
Popular Response to Civil Disobedience Movement
Initial Response: Despite being unprepared, the response to the movement was massive. Key actions included:
1. Arrests: Approximately 80,000 satyagrahis, mostly from poor backgrounds, were jailed in the first four months.
2. Forms of Protest: These included picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops, illegal gatherings, non-violent demonstrations, symbolic flag hoistings, non-payment of chowkidara tax, salt satyagraha, and violations of forest laws.
3. Upheavals: The movement coincided with uprisings in Kashmir and Alwar.
Challenges Faced: The movement struggled due to lack of time to build momentum and the unpreparedness of the masses.
Movement Withdrawal: Gandhi decided to withdraw the movement in April 1934. Despite the repression, people maintained their political faith in Congress.
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