The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, marked a crucial phase in India’s freedom struggle. It was aimed at challenging British rule by encouraging Indians to disobey unjust laws through peaceful and non-violent means. The Salt March (Dandi March), where Gandhiji broke the British Salt Law, became a symbol of resistance and inspired millions to join the fight for independence.
But why did Gandhiji choose to start the Civil Disobedience Movement at that particular time? What were the political, economic, and social factors that made this movement a necessity in the freedom struggle? Let’s explore the key reasons behind Gandhiji’s decision and its impact on the Indian independence movement.
1. Demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)
One of the main reasons for starting the Civil Disobedience Movement was the demand for Purna Swaraj—complete independence from British rule.
- In December 1929, at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) was declared as the ultimate goal of the freedom movement.
- January 26, 1930, was celebrated as Independence Day across India, but symbolic celebrations were not enough.
- Gandhiji realized that a mass movement was required to translate the demand for independence into reality.
- Thus, the Civil Disobedience Movement was launched to challenge British authority and assert India’s right to self-rule.
2. Protest Against the Salt Tax and British Economic Policies
Gandhiji chose the Salt Law as the starting point of the movement because it represented the unjust economic policies of the British government.
- Salt, an essential commodity, was heavily taxed by the British, making it expensive for the poor.
- Indians were forbidden from making their own salt, even though salt was freely available along the coastline.
- By breaking the Salt Law during the Salt March, Gandhiji highlighted the economic exploitation of Indians by the British.
- The salt issue united people across class lines, making the movement truly national in scope.
Salt thus became a symbol of resistance, and its defiance sent a clear message that Indians would no longer tolerate British oppression.
3. Failure of the Simon Commission
The Simon Commission, set up by the British government in 1927, was rejected by Indians because it had no Indian members.
- The commission’s exclusion of Indians was seen as an insult, leading to nationwide protests.
- The death of Lala Lajpat Rai, due to police brutality during a protest in Lahore, further intensified public anger.
- Although the British promised constitutional reforms, they failed to offer concrete steps toward self-rule.
Gandhiji realized that constitutional negotiations had failed and that only mass civil disobedience could force the British to listen to Indian demands.
4. Economic Hardships Due to the Great Depression
The Great Depression (1929) had a devastating impact on India’s economy, worsening the plight of farmers and workers.
- Agricultural prices fell, pushing farmers into poverty.
- The British government continued to extract high taxes, showing no concern for the economic suffering of the people.
- The economic crisis provided an opportunity to mobilize the masses, as economic grievances were now linked to the political struggle.
Gandhiji believed that the Civil Disobedience Movement could become a channel for economic as well as political protest, bringing millions of Indians together in a common cause.
5. British Government’s Refusal to Negotiate
Despite repeated efforts, the British government refused to negotiate with the Indian National Congress on the issue of self-rule.
- In a letter to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, Gandhiji outlined eleven demands, including:
- Abolition of the salt tax
- Reduction in land revenue
- Cut in military expenditure
- When these demands were ignored, Gandhiji declared that civil disobedience was the only option left.
The refusal of the British to even discuss basic demands convinced Gandhiji that peaceful defiance was the next logical step in the freedom struggle.
6. Reviving the Spirit of Satyagraha
Gandhiji’s philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force) emphasized non-violent resistance as the most powerful weapon against oppression.
- After the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1922) following the Chauri Chaura incident, there was a need to revive the spirit of resistance.
- The Civil Disobedience Movement provided an opportunity to reignite the spirit of Satyagraha, allowing Indians to challenge British rule without violence.
- The movement involved actions like boycotting British goods, refusing to pay taxes, and defying colonial laws, making it a powerful tool for mass mobilization.
7. Psychological Defiance and Empowerment of the Masses
Gandhiji understood that the British Empire thrived on the myth of invincibility.
- By choosing salt, a humble commodity, and breaking the law, he symbolically challenged the British Empire’s authority.
- The movement empowered ordinary Indians, giving them the confidence that they could challenge the British, not through violence, but through peaceful defiance.
This psychological empowerment was one of the greatest achievements of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi started the Civil Disobedience Movement because of:
- The demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
- Economic exploitation symbolized by the salt tax.
- The failure of constitutional reforms like the Simon Commission.
- Economic hardships caused by the Great Depression.
- The British government’s refusal to address Indian demands.
- The need to revive the spirit of Satyagraha and mass participation.
- The desire to psychologically empower the Indian masses against colonial oppression.
The Civil Disobedience Movement became a milestone in India’s freedom struggle, uniting millions of Indians in a common cause and proving that non-violent resistance could shake the foundations of the British Empire. Although it did not achieve immediate independence, it paved the way for future movements like the Quit India Movement (1942), bringing India closer to freedom in 1947.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
