UPSC mains 2024 GS paper 1: What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words)

 The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, was a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Several factors contributed to its initiation. The failure of the Cripps Mission, which was sent by the British government in 1942 to secure Indian cooperation during World War II, deeply disillusioned Indian leaders. The growing unrest due to the oppressive colonial policies and the devastating Bengal famine further fueled resentment.

Gandhi's call for "Do or Die" resonated across the nation, leading to mass protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. The British government responded with brutal repression, arresting key leaders and using military force to suppress the movement.

Though it was violently crushed, the Quit India Movement marked a turning point. It unified Indians, intensified the demand for complete independence, and made British rule untenable. The movement laid the groundwork for India's eventual independence in 1947.



In Details:

The Events Leading to the Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, was a crucial milestone in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC) on August 8, 1942, the movement aimed to bring an end to British colonialism. Several key events and circumstances laid the groundwork for this decisive movement.

1. Impact of World War II (1939-1945)

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 had significant repercussions on India's political climate. Britain, without consulting Indian leaders, dragged India into the war, which led to widespread resentment. This decision deepened the sense of disillusionment and anger among Indians who felt betrayed by the colonial power’s unilateral actions.

The Congress, under Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi, opposed India's involvement in a war where Britain was fighting for its freedom while denying the same to India. The British government’s refusal to promise Indian independence after the war further aggravated the situation.

2. Failure of the Cripps Mission (March 1942)

In an attempt to secure Indian support for the war effort, the British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India in March 1942. Cripps proposed limited self-governance after the war, but the offer fell short of granting immediate and full independence. Both the Congress and the Muslim League rejected the Cripps Proposals, calling them inadequate. This diplomatic failure deepened the demand for complete independence rather than accepting half-measures.

3. Rising Nationalist Sentiment

By the early 1940s, nationalist fervor in India was at its peak. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) had already galvanized the masses. Political and economic instability due to the war, coupled with worsening conditions in India—like shortages, famines, and rising prices—intensified the demand for freedom. People across different regions, castes, and religions were ready for more assertive action to oust British rule.

4. Gandhi's Radical Shift

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement, had long advocated non-violent civil disobedience. However, by 1942, Gandhi’s patience with the British government had run thin. He believed that Britain’s colonial exploitation had weakened India’s resources, leading to severe hardships during the war. Gandhi realized that immediate action was necessary and called for complete British withdrawal with his famous slogan “Do or Die”.

5. Congress Resolution for Quit India (August 8, 1942)

At the All India Congress Committee session in Bombay (now Mumbai) on August 8, 1942, Gandhi proposed the Quit India resolution demanding an end to British rule. The resolution called for mass civil disobedience, urging the British to leave India and asserting that Indians could handle their own defense during World War II. Gandhi delivered a stirring speech that sparked a sense of urgency for action: "We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery."

Course of the Movement

The British government, sensing the potential for mass rebellion, acted swiftly. Within hours of the resolution, Gandhi, Nehru, and other top Congress leaders were arrested, leading to widespread outrage.

• Mass Uprisings: Without the Congress leadership to guide the movement, spontaneous protests erupted across India. Government buildings were set on fire, telegraph lines were cut, and strikes paralyzed transportation and communication systems. The movement spread to rural and urban areas alike.

• British Repression: The British responded with brutal repression. Martial law was declared in many regions, and the police and army used violence to suppress protests. Tens of thousands were arrested, and many were killed in police firings. The press was censored, and public gatherings were banned.

Despite these efforts, sporadic rebellions continued throughout 1942 and into 1943. Although the British were able to suppress the Quit India Movement in the short term, the momentum for independence had gained irreversible strength.

Results and Significance of the Quit India Movement

While the movement was violently crushed by the British, its long-term consequences were crucial for the Indian independence struggle:

1. International Attention

The Quit India Movement attracted global attention. Internationally, the movement exposed Britain’s hypocrisy in fighting for freedom from Nazi tyranny while denying the same to its colonies. It also became evident that India would not cooperate with the British government unless independence was granted. This sentiment grew stronger after the war ended in 1945.

2. Weakened British Control

The war and the Quit India Movement combined to severely weaken Britain’s hold on India. By the end of World War II, Britain was economically exhausted and politically unstable. The British government realized that it could not maintain its colonial rule over India much longer, and the costs of suppressing another major uprising were untenable.

3. Rise of Popular Nationalism

The movement further galvanized Indian nationalism, especially among the youth. While the leadership of the Congress was imprisoned, local leaders and ordinary people carried forward the spirit of resistance. It showed that the demand for independence was no longer limited to a select elite but had permeated every level of Indian society.

4. End of British Political Leverage

The Quit India Movement marked the end of any political compromise between the Congress and the British government. The rejection of the Cripps Mission and the refusal to negotiate during the Quit India Movement proved that Britain had lost its political leverage. The movement became the final nail in the coffin of British colonialism in India.

5. Immediate Path to Independence

Although India did not achieve independence immediately after the Quit India Movement, the events of 1942 made it clear that British rule was unsustainable. The movement set the stage for India's independence in 1947. With the end of World War II, the Labour government in Britain began serious negotiations with Indian leaders, leading to the eventual partition of India and the birth of two independent nations—India and Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Quit India Movement was the most radical and widespread revolt against British colonialism and left an indelible mark on India’s path to freedom. While it was brutally suppressed, it demonstrated the unwavering resolve of the Indian people to attain independence, ultimately leading to British withdrawal in 1947.