Non-Cooperation Movement – Causes, Events & Impact

Introduction to the Non-Cooperation Movement

Launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 1 August 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement marked India’s first nationwide mass protest against British rule. This non-violent resistance campaign aimed to:

✔ Achieve Swaraj (self-rule)
✔ Redress the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
✔ Reverse injustices of the Rowlatt Act
✔ Address Khilafat grievances

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Section 1: Historical Background & Causes

1.1 Triggering Events

1.2 Gandhi’s Justification

Gandhi outlined his rationale in Young India (June 1920):

“British rule survives only through Indian cooperation. Withdraw this, and the empire collapses like a house of cards.”

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Section 2: Movement Phases & Key Events

2.1 Initial Phase (1920)

• September 1920: Congress ratified movement at Calcutta Session

• Key Actions:

  • Surrender of British titles/honors

  • Boycott of legislatures, courts, schools

  • Foreign goods boycott

2.2 Mass Mobilization (1921)

• January 1921: Gandhi toured nationwide

• Notable Developments:

  • 30,000 students left government schools

  • 400 lawyers (including Motilal Nehru) quit practice

  • 60% drop in British cloth imports

2.3 Climax & Suspension (1922)

• February 1922: Chauri Chaura incident (22 policemen killed)

• 12 February 1922: Gandhi abruptly called off movement

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Section 3: Program of Non-Cooperation

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Section 4: Geographic Spread & Participation

4.1 Regional Hotspots

• Uttar Pradesh: Peasant unrest (Awadh Kisan Movement)

• Bengal: Student protests, khadi promotion

• Punjab: Gurdwara reform movement synergy

• Andhra: Anti-liquor campaigns

4.2 Demographic Participation

• Students: 80,000+ left schools

• Women: First mass political participation

• Tribals: Gond and Bhil communities joined

• Business Class: Financial support for swadeshi

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Section 5: Why Gandhi Called Off the Movement

5.1 Immediate Cause

Chauri Chaura violence (4 February 1922) contradicted ahimsa principles

5.2 Strategic Considerations

• Fear of movement becoming violent

• Need to consolidate gains

• British preparations for brutal suppression

Gandhi’s Statement:

“I would suffer every humiliation, every torture, absolute ostracism and death itself to prevent the movement from becoming violent.”

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Section 6: Impact & Consequences

6.1 Political Outcomes

• Congress transformed into mass movement

• British authority psychologically challenged

• Foundation laid for Civil Disobedience Movement

6.2 Statistical Impact

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Section 7: Limitations & Criticism

7.1 Key Shortcomings

• Limited Muslim participation post-Khilafat

• Industrial workers’ demands unaddressed

• No concrete constitutional reforms achieved

7.2 Ambedkar’s Critique

“The movement failed to include Dalit emancipation in its agenda.”

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Section 8: Modern Relevance

8.1 Tactical Legacy

• Inspired global movements (MLK Jr., Nelson Mandela)

• Blueprint for satyagraha campaigns

8.2 Commemoration

• Chauri Chaura Centenary (2022) marked by PM Modi

• Dandi March (1930) built on its foundation

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FAQs

❓ Was the movement successful?

Partially – it mobilized masses but didn’t achieve Swaraj.

❓ How did British respond?

Mass arrests (30,000+ jailed) but avoided direct confrontation with Gandhi.

❓ What replaced it?

The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34).

❓ Did Bhagat Singh participate?

No – he was 13 years old in 1920 (later joined revolutionary movement).

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Conclusion

The Non-Cooperation Movement:
✔ Marked Gandhi’s emergence as national leader
✔ Demonstrated mass mobilization potential
✔ Established non-violence as freedom struggle cornerstone