The Quit India Movement of 1942 was a major political movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, calling for an immediate end to British colonial rule in India. The movement was launched in response to the growing dissatisfaction among Indians with British rule, as well as the increasing difficulties faced by the Indian people as a result of World War II.
The Quit India Movement was officially launched on August 8, 1942, with a speech by Gandhi in Bombay, in which he called on the British government to “Quit India” and to transfer power to the Indian people. The speech was met with widespread support, and protests and demonstrations erupted across the country. The British government responded by immediately arresting Gandhi and other Congress leaders, and declaring a nationwide crackdown on the movement.
The Quit India Movement was characterized by widespread acts of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance, including strikes, boycotts, and peaceful protests. The movement was particularly strong in rural areas, where the majority of the Indian population lived, and where the British government’s control was relatively weak.
Despite the arrests of its leaders and the repression of the movement by the British government, the Quit India Movement continued to gain momentum, and it became one of the largest and most widespread movements of civil disobedience in Indian history. The movement was particularly significant as it was able to bring together people from different regions and communities, who were united in their demand for freedom from British rule.
Was Quit India Movement a spontaneous movement?
The Quit India Movement was not a spontaneous movement, but rather a well-planned and well-coordinated effort by the Indian National Congress to mobilize the Indian people in their struggle for independence. The Congress had been preparing for the movement for several years and had been building support among the people through various means, such as public speeches, demonstrations, and writings.
The Quit India Movement contributed to weakening the British colonial administration in India and increased international pressure on the British government to address India’s demand for independence. The movement set the stage for further negotiations and discussions between the Indian National Congress and the British government after World War II, ultimately leading to India’s independence in 1947. The Quit India Movement is remembered as a symbol of India’s unwavering commitment to achieving self-rule through nonviolent means and as a defining moment in the country’s history.
Must read: Non-cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement – the strategic shifters
External link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quit_India_Movement
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES . With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct? UPSC 2021
(a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
(b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
(c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
(d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.
Ans (a) EXPLANATION: In July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha and resolved that it would authorise Gandhi to take charge of the non-violent mass movement. The resolution generally referred to as the ‘Quit India’ resolution. Proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru and seconded by Sardar Patel, it was to be approved by the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bombay in August. The Quit India Resolution was ratified at the Congress meeting at Gowalia Tank, Bombay, on August 8, 1942.
QUES . Quit India Movement was launched in response to: UPSC 2013
a) Cabinet Mission Plan
b) Cripps Proposals
c) Simon Commission Report
d) Wavell Plan
Ans (b)
