The Civil Disobedience Movement was a major phase of the Indian freedom struggle against British rule, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. It aimed to challenge unjust colonial laws through non-violent resistance and refusal to obey them.
Background:
- The movement began after the failure of constitutional reforms to grant India self-rule.
- The British government imposed heavy taxes and restrictive laws, including the salt tax.
Key Event:
- The movement started with the famous Dandi March on 12 March 1930.
- Gandhi, along with his followers, marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi and broke the salt law by making salt from seawater.
Main Features:
- People refused to pay taxes.
- Foreign goods were boycotted.
- Indians resigned from government jobs.
- Mass protests and peaceful demonstrations took place across the country.
Impact:
- It united millions of Indians in the freedom struggle.
- It attracted global attention to India’s demand for independence.
- It weakened British authority and led to negotiations like the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931).
Conclusion:
The Civil Disobedience Movement played a crucial role in intensifying the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) and demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance.