The surge of revolutionary activities in early 20th-century India stemmed from disillusionment with peaceful political methods and the failure of extremist leaders to address growing frustrations. The movement, evolving from the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, saw two main phases: early radical efforts (1907-1917) and a more intense period following the Non-Cooperation Movement. Revolutionaries adopted methods from Russian and Irish nationalists, aiming to instill fear and drive the British out through targeted violence and conspiracies.
Origin: Activities began as a byproduct of militant nationalism, with two main phases:
First Phase (1907-1917): Evolved from the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement.
Second Phase: Emerged after the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Disillusionment: After the decline of open movements, younger nationalists struggled to find new avenues for their patriotic energies, feeling let down by the Extremist leadership.
Revolutionary Goals: With peaceful political protest blocked by government repression, the youth believed that independence could only be achieved by expelling the British physically.
Approach: Revolutionaries considered, but did not implement, creating a mass violent revolution or subverting the Army's loyalties.
Methodology: Followed Russian nihilists and Irish nationalists with:
Individual Heroic Actions: Organising assassinations of unpopular officials and traitors among revolutionaries.
Swadeshi Dacoities: Conducting dacoities to raise funds for revolutionary activities.
Military Conspiracies: During WWI, organising conspiracies with hopes of aid from Britain's enemies.
Objective: To strike terror into rulers, arouse the people, and remove fear of authority, thereby inspiring the youth to drive the British out.
Failure of Extremist Leaders: Extremist leaders did not ideologically counter the revolutionaries or differentiate between mass-based revolutions and individual violent actions, allowing the latter to take root.
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