Why did Mahatma Gandhi launch the 'Non-Cooperation Movement'? How did this movement unite the country? Explain.
Solution
Gandhiji launched the Non-cooperation movement of 1921 because :
-
According to Gandhiji, the British rule was established in India with the cooperation of Indians and had survived only because of this cooperation. So the time has arrived o withdraw cooperation to the British.
-
First World War added to the misery of the Indian people. Heavy taxes, high prices, famines, and epidemics made people’s life miserable.
-
Rowlatt Act invited large scale protests throughout the country.
-
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the injustice done to Punjab made Indians angry which need to be avenged.
-
To restore the status of the ruler of Turkey.
-
To bring Swaraj or Self Rule to India.
Mahatma Gandhi declared that the main objectives of the non-cooperation movement were :
-
To cripple the British administration and make them realize that they cannot function without the actual support of the Indians.
-
To avenge the wrong done by the Government in Punjab (Jallianwala Bagh Massacre) in a non-violent way.
-
To bring about unity among the people. To inculcate a sense of nationalism.
-
To promote khadi and to attain Swaraj.