Context of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Introduction: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was a tragic incident that occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It was a turning point in India's struggle for independence from British rule. The incident took place during the Rowlatt Satyagraha, which was a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act.

The Rowlatt Satyagraha: The Rowlatt Satyagraha was a nonviolent movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi and other Indian leaders in response to the Rowlatt Act. This act was passed by the British government in 1919, which allowed them to imprison any Indian without trial for up to two years.

The Massacre: On April 13, 1919, a large crowd of Indians had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden in Amritsar, to protest against the Rowlatt Act. The British Army, under the command of General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on the unarmed crowd, killing hundreds of people and injuring thousands. The incident led to widespread outrage and condemnation, both in India and around the world.

The Aftermath: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre had a profound impact on India's struggle for independence. It galvanized the Indian people and strengthened their resolve to fight for freedom from British rule. Mahatma Gandhi, who was not present at the time of the massacre, called for a nationwide nonviolent protest against the British government. This protest eventually led to the end of British rule in India in 1947.

Conclusion: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was a tragic incident that occurred during the Rowlatt Satyagraha. It was a turning point in India's struggle for independence and had a profound impact on the Indian people. The incident demonstrated the brutality of British rule and strengthened the resolve of Indians to fight for freedom.