NON COOPERATION MOVEMENT
The Non-Cooperation Movement was the first mass movement led by Mahatma Gandhi
under the banner of the Indian National Congress, launched in 1920. It aimed to oppose
British colonial rule through non-violent protest and civil disobedience (Satyagraha).
The movement sought to unite Indians across religions, classes, and regions, giving them an
opportunity to participate actively in the struggle for independence. It marked a significant
shift from moderate politics to mass-based resistance.
2. Causes of the Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement emerged due to several factors:
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): The killing of hundreds of unarmed Indians by British
troops sparked nationwide outrage.
Rowlatt Act (1919): Repressive legislation that curtailed civil liberties and allowed detention
without trial.
Economic Exploitation: High taxes, unemployment, and poverty caused by British policies
fueled discontent.
Khilafat Movement: Support for the Ottoman Caliphate united Muslims and Hindus,
strengthening nationalist sentiment.
Desire for Swaraj (Self-Rule): Indians wanted complete political freedom and participation in
governance.
These factors created widespread unrest, paving the way for Gandhi’s leadership and mass
mobilization.
3. Leadership and Key Figures
Mahatma Gandhi: Principal leader, promoted non-violence and civil resistance.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Assisted Gandhi in mobilizing youth and urban centers.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Organized rural participation and coordinated provincial
movements.
Other Leaders: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, C. Rajagopalachari, and other Congress leaders
supported the movement.
Grassroots Participants: Students, workers, peasants, and women played a major role.
The leadership focused on uniting people from diverse backgrounds under a common goal
of independence.
4. Methods and Strategies
The Non-Cooperation Movement adopted several strategies:
Boycott of British Goods: Indians refused to buy imported goods and promoted Swadeshi
products.
Refusal to Pay Taxes: People stopped paying taxes and disrupted revenue collection.
Resignation from Government Jobs: Teachers, lawyers, and officials resigned to show
non-cooperation.
Picketing and Strikes: Peaceful protests against British institutions and liquor shops.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was the first mass movement led by Mahatma Gandhi
under the banner of the Indian National Congress, launched in 1920. It aimed to oppose
British colonial rule through non-violent protest and civil disobedience (Satyagraha).
The movement sought to unite Indians across religions, classes, and regions, giving them an
opportunity to participate actively in the struggle for independence. It marked a significant
shift from moderate politics to mass-based resistance.
2. Causes of the Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement emerged due to several factors:
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): The killing of hundreds of unarmed Indians by British
troops sparked nationwide outrage.
Rowlatt Act (1919): Repressive legislation that curtailed civil liberties and allowed detention
without trial.
Economic Exploitation: High taxes, unemployment, and poverty caused by British policies
fueled discontent.
Khilafat Movement: Support for the Ottoman Caliphate united Muslims and Hindus,
strengthening nationalist sentiment.
Desire for Swaraj (Self-Rule): Indians wanted complete political freedom and participation in
governance.
These factors created widespread unrest, paving the way for Gandhi’s leadership and mass
mobilization.
3. Leadership and Key Figures
Mahatma Gandhi: Principal leader, promoted non-violence and civil resistance.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Assisted Gandhi in mobilizing youth and urban centers.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Organized rural participation and coordinated provincial
movements.
Other Leaders: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, C. Rajagopalachari, and other Congress leaders
supported the movement.
Grassroots Participants: Students, workers, peasants, and women played a major role.
The leadership focused on uniting people from diverse backgrounds under a common goal
of independence.
4. Methods and Strategies
The Non-Cooperation Movement adopted several strategies:
Boycott of British Goods: Indians refused to buy imported goods and promoted Swadeshi
products.
Refusal to Pay Taxes: People stopped paying taxes and disrupted revenue collection.
Resignation from Government Jobs: Teachers, lawyers, and officials resigned to show
non-cooperation.
Picketing and Strikes: Peaceful protests against British institutions and liquor shops.
