🌟 Chapter 9: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

🎯 Introduction

The story of India’s freedom struggle is one of courage, unity, sacrifice, and determination. From the late 19th century (1870s) till Independence in 1947, Indians came together to fight against British rule. This chapter highlights how the national movement started, grew, and finally led to India’s freedom.

📌 1. The Early Nationalists (Moderates: 1885–1905)

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885.
• Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta were called Moderates.
• They believed in peaceful methods like:
  • Writing petitions ✍️
  • Passing resolutions 🗳️
  • Holding meetings 📢
  • Demanding reforms politely

👉 They demanded:

• Representation of Indians in administration
• Reduction of land revenue
• Spread of education
• Fair share in government jobs

⚡ Limitations: The British mostly ignored their requests.

📌 2. The Assertive Nationalists (Radicals: 1905–1919)

• Many young leaders felt that petitions were too slow.
• They believed in active struggle and sometimes protests & boycotts.

🔥 Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai (known as Lal–Bal–Pal).

Tilak’s Slogan:
👉 “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”

Methods used:

• Boycott of British goods 🚫
• Promotion of Swadeshi goods 🧵
• Mass protests and strikes

📌 3. The Partition of Bengal (1905)

• Lord Curzon divided Bengal in 1905, claiming it was for “administrative convenience”.
• In reality, it was to weaken Hindu–Muslim unity.
• This gave rise to the Swadeshi Movement:
  • Boycotting foreign goods ❌
  • Wearing khadi & Indian-made clothes 👕
  • National schools were started 🎓
  • Unity among people increased

Finally, the partition was cancelled in 1911.

📌 4. The Home Rule Movement (1916)

• Inspired by Irish freedom struggle.
• Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak & Annie Besant.
• Aim: Self-rule within the British Empire.
• It created mass awareness about independence.

📌 5. Gandhiji and the Freedom Struggle (1915–1947)

When Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, he brought with him the philosophy of truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa).

✨ Major Movements by Gandhi:

1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917, Bihar)
   • First experiment of Satyagraha.
   • Against forced indigo cultivation by British planters.
   • Victory for farmers 👩‍🌾.
2. Kheda Satyagraha (1918, Gujarat)
   • Farmers couldn’t pay tax due to famine.
   • Gandhi supported peasants; revenue demand was relaxed.
3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)
   • Textile workers demanded better wages.
   • Gandhi supported and succeeded.

📌 6. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

• Launched after Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
• Aim: Boycott British institutions, schools, and foreign clothes.
• Students went to national schools.
• Lawyers gave up practice 👩‍⚖️.
• People burnt foreign goods 🔥.

⚡ Chauri Chaura Incident (1922): Protesters set fire to a police station; Gandhi called off the movement as it turned violent.

📌 7. The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

• Started with the famous Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha).
• Gandhi walked 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi to break the salt law.
• People refused to pay taxes and boycotted British laws.
• Women, farmers, students actively participated 👩‍🌾👩‍🎓.

📌 8. The Quit India Movement (1942)

• During World War II, British forced India into the war without consent.
• Gandhi gave the call: “Do or Die!” 💪
• Leaders were arrested, but people continued protests.
• It became the final mass movement before independence.

📌 9. Role of Revolutionaries & Others

• Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rajguru, Sukhdev inspired youth. 🔥
• Subhas Chandra Bose formed INA (Indian National Army) and gave the slogan: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”
• Women like Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, Kasturba Gandhi contributed greatly. 👩‍🦱

📌 10. Towards Independence (1947)

• After World War II, Britain became weak.
• Indians intensified protests.
• Mountbatten Plan announced Partition.
• On 15th August 1947, India finally became independent 🎉.

🌈 Notes (Quick Recap):

• 🟢 Moderates (1885–1905) – petitions, prayers, resolutions
• 🔵 Radicals (1905–1919) – boycott, swadeshi, protests
• 🟠 Partition of Bengal (1905) – Swadeshi Movement
• 🟡 Home Rule Movement (1916) – Tilak & Annie Besant
• 🟣 Gandhi Era (1915–47) – Non-violent mass movements
• 🔴 Quit India (1942) – “Do or Die”
• ⚡ Independence (1947) – Freedom achieved

✅ Conclusion:
The Indian National Movement was not just about a few leaders; it was the collective effort of millions—peasants, workers, students, women, and revolutionaries. Their courage, unity, and sacrifices made India a free nation on 15th August 1947. 🇮🇳