The Quit India Movement - Struggle for Independence and Civil Disobedience 

Introduction: Quit India Movement 

On August 9, 1942, India launched a mass upsurge against colonial rule on a scale that had not been witnessed earlier. It also sent out the unmistakable message that the sun was about to set for the British empire in India. It has led even the ordinary Indian to the streets with a vow to ‘Do or Die’ in the form of – Quit India Movement. 

The movement was a clarion call driven by Mahatma Gandhi as a part of the Civil disobedience movement, demanding the end of British rule in India. Even though the British crushed the moment violently, the message was clear. They realized they would have to leave India, as nothing less was acceptable. 

Here, let’s delve into the historical backdrop, significance, causes, timeline, and consequences of the historic Quit India Movement. 

About the Quit India Movement

Purpose of the Quit India Movement

The primary purpose of the Quit India movement was to gain independence from British Rule after around 200 years. Indians wanted freedom and the ability to govern themselves by ending British exploration. When the British government came up with a set of self-rules after World War II, it didn’t meet the expectations of Indians. The dissatisfaction leads to more vital demanding calls for immediate inferences.

Some most outstanding Indian leaders, like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, were vital in mobilizing the mass struggle. Their speeches bring together people to fight for independence. Indians have become more demanding to take more decisive action to achieve freedom due to the British government’s slow progress and unfulfilled promises.

The objective of the Quit India Movement

The Quit India and had clear objectives to accomplish independence from British demands. 

The primary objectives are

1. Relinquishing control and granting self-governance rule in India

2. Stand against the oppressive policies of the British government.

3. To put an end to the economic exploitation of India

4. Enforcement of allowing basic civil liberties.

5. Immediate withdrawal of British forces from India

6. Establishment of a constituent assembly to create new conditions

7. Building of an interim government

8. Address the social and economic issues, including poverty and illiteracy.

Context of the Quit India Movement

The British authorities responded to the Quit India movement with a violent crackdown. Thousands of Indian leaders, activists, and people were arrested to suppress the uprising of the struggle. The British conquered the movement as they threatened their authority and used complete force to quell the protests. It leads to violence, destruction of property, and loss of life.

Quit India Resolution: Background and Significance 

1. Historical Background of the Quit India Movement

India’s quest for Independence began in the 19th century through different reform movements, including the Indian National Congress. INC, established in 1185, has always challenged British rules and motivated Indians to fight for their freedom and rights. However, it was only in the 20th century that the struggle gained a significant moment due to the participation of civic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, spreading the non-violent Quit India Movement or the August movement with INC.

He issued a call to action, the movement to win support from Indians to orderly exit the British from India. The all-India Congress committee organized the movement and widespread demonstration.

2. Significance of the Quit India Movement  

1. Quit India Movement involves well-known leaders, including Ram Manohar Lohia, Aruna Asaf Ali, Biju Patnaik, and Sucheta Kripalani, in underground activities.

2. The movement witnessed the presence of majestic women like Usha Mehta. The female activities’ contribution to establishing underground radio stations has sparked awareness of the nationwide movement.

3. It brings the struggle of India to the forefront of the global stage, intensifying the demand for self-rule.

4. The movement highly uses the power of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance as powerful tools for special and social alteration.

5. The struggle instils a more robust sense of unity and brotherhood in India. It is a unifying force that brings people from diverse relations and backgrounds together.

6. The Quit India Movement is often compared with other independence movements, including American Revlon and African independence movements. They reflect the resilience and determination of people to liberate themselves from colonial rule with self-determination.

Quit India Movement: Year and Date 

Quit India Movement’s initiation.

1. August 8, 1942 – 

The Movement was planned and strategy by Mahatma Gandhi and Congress in 1942.

2. August 9, 1942 –  

He made a famous Quit India Speech in Bombay with a vow to do or die on August 8, 1942, calling for a mass struggle to free the nation from British clutches.

3. August 10, 1942 – 

The British arrested Mahatma Gandhi and other notable leaders from the Congress committee.

4. August 11, 1942 – 

The British government announced that quitting the Indian movement was illegal.

After three years, as the outcome of the Quit India Movement, the British government announced it would grant independence to India.

Events Leading to the Quit India Movement

1. Growing disillusionment with the British Government – 

The Indian National Congress was dejected with British rule in India and Dean Indians. They passed the Quit India Movement resolutions at the Bombay session of AICC on August 8, 1942.

2. Unfulfilled commitment of autonomy – 

The Congress had hoped for autonomy for India from the British, but the hope was not fulfilled. It led to the mass quit india movement for freedom.

3. Disagreement of the Cripps Mission – 

The Indian National Congress rejected the Cripps mission as they felt that the proposals didn’t have relevant rules to grant autonomy.

4. Impact of World War II – 

The outbreak of World War II diversified the war effort’s sources, adversely affecting the Indian economy. It also led the Quit India movement to show dissatisfaction with British rule.

5. Rise of Indian Nationalism – 

The gradual rise of Indian nationalism urged Mahatma Gandhi to stand up and fight for their rights.

Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan Do or die. 

Explaining the “Do or Die” slogan

During World War II, the But if you are wondering who gave the slogan ‘Do or Die’ (Karo ya Maro), Our father of India, Mahatma Gandhi, coined this simplest yet powerful slogan. The slogan compelled the British to leave India and grant independence. It causes an urge among Indian people when it comes to independence.

He delivered a speed at the Gowalia Tank Maidan with the slogan Do or die as a last effort to convince Bright to leave India. He said, ‘Here is a short mantra that I give you. You may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of yours express it. The matra is do or die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery.

Along with the Do or Die slogan, the movement also encompasses ‘Quit India’ or Bharat Chodo, coined by Yusuf Mherally, a socialist leader and an active member of the Indian Congress.

Impact of the slogan on the movement

The slogan connects the Indian people and motivates them to participate in the Movement. Even Mahatma Gandhi felt that the slogan was essential and would inspire people to take necessary action for independence. When Indian people are ready to make sacrifices and fit for their freedom, this slogan will give them the courage to move forward.

The Quit India Movement 1942 

Actions, protests, and civil disobedience of the Quit India Movement

Following the repression actions from the British government. The sense of anger and frustration has been increasing among Indians. As a result, the Quit India movement in 1942 was passed by AIICC.

The movement has widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disorder nationwide. Thousands of people have participated in marches, demonstrations, and other forms of non-violent resistance. The actions of the movement are as follows,

1. Boycotting of foreign products with the support from factory workers.

2. The destruction of communication channels such as stations.

3. National governments in the discrete mode come into existence. 

Scale and scope of participation across India

The movement in 1942 involved the active participation of people from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, labourers, and even women. It represents the Unity of India and its unwavering commitment to achieving a common goal and the power of non-violent struggle to achieve a common goal.

Also Read :-

Indian National Movement – In Brief

What is Non-Cooperation Movement: A Brief Overview

Khilafat Movement: Exploring Causes, Date, History, and Facts

Quit India Movement Day      

On August 8 every year, Quit India Movement Day is observed to remember the sacrifices made by the Indians in their struggle for Independence. The day is commemorated to reflect the turning point in India’s freedom history. The Quit India resolution induced mass mobilization of Indians from all walks of life, from the struggle for freedom from colonialism to the lasting impact on politics. Every year, people memorialize the significant day to pay tribute to the individuals who participated in the movement, showcasing their determination to achieve freedom.

Conclusion

The Quit India Movement, 1942, was brutally repressed by the British through violent means. Most of the freedom fighters who participated in the struggle were arrested. The British declared the Indian National Congress as an unlawful association. Nonetheless, despite the lack of success, the Quit India movement drastically changed the course of negotiations with the British government, ultimately leading to India’s independence in 1947.

India will remember the Quit India Movement as a symbol of its unwavering commitment to achieve self-rule through non-violent means. Even after around 80 years, it is still the defining moment in India’s history for the freedom struggle.  

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