Chapter Notes: India's Freedom Struggle

Introduction

• British policies not benefiting Indians.
• Realization that British wanted to keep Indians poor and backward.
• Emergence of nationalism.

Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)

• Formed in 1885 with the support of O.A. Hume and Englishmen.
• First session in Mumbai, W.C. Bonnerjee as president.
• Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, G.K. Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, etc.
• Moderates and Radicals within the INC.

Partition of Bengal (1905)

• Lord Curzon announced to weaken unity among Hindus and Muslims.
• Divide and Rule policy implemented.

Important Acts and Movements

• Rowlatt Act (1919): Allowed arrest without trial, faced protests.
• Jallianwala Bagh (1919): Massacre in Amritsar, General Dyer's orders.
• Khilafat Movement (1920): Support for Turkey, unity of Hindus and Muslims.
• Non-cooperation Movement (1920): Led by Gandhi, demanded complete freedom.
• Simon Commission (1928): Studied the effects of the 1919 Act, boycotted.
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Dandi March against salt law, nationwide protest.

Subhas Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj

• Bose's role in the freedom movement.
• Formation of the Indian National Army (INA).
• "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom."

Second World War and Quit India Movement

• British sought Indian cooperation in the war.
• Sir Stafford Cripps' mission failed.
• Quit India Movement (1942): "Do or Die" for voluntary British withdrawal.

India Wins Freedom

• Independence announced by Lord Mountbatten.
• India divided into India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India.
• Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in integrating princely states.

Conclusion

• Sacrifices made for India's freedom.
• Leaders like Gandhi, Bose, Patel played crucial roles.
• Independence Day celebrated on August 15, 1947.
• India's journey towards self-governance.