Chapter 2 · Question 2
Why did Gandhiji launch the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer
Direct Answer
Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement after events such as the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue. He argued that British rule survived because Indians cooperated with it, so non-cooperation could make colonial rule difficult.
Simple Explanation
Gandhiji launched it after the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue, believing that British rule depended on Indian cooperation.
Exam-Ready Structure
Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement due to several immediate provocations and a strategic belief:
• The Rowlatt Act (1919) gave the colonial government sweeping powers to suppress political activity, angering Indians across the country.
• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) shocked the nation and exposed the brutality of colonial rule.
• The Khilafat issue united Muslims who were concerned about the treatment of the Ottoman Caliph after the war.
• Gandhiji's core argument was that the British were able to rule India only because Indians cooperated with them. If Indians refused cooperation at all levels, colonial rule would become unworkable.
• He combined these political grievances into a single mass movement across communities.
Key Points
- Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement after events such as the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue.
- He argued that British rule survived because Indians cooperated with it, so non-cooperation could make colonial rule difficult.