Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce by telling briefly about the broader impact of WW I on the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement and the wider role played by freedom fighters.
• Write the influence of the First World War on Swadeshi and the Boycott Movement
• Mention the role of the leaders
• Conclude by telling how it shaped the future trajectory of the freedom struggle.

Introduction

World War I (1914-1918) had profound effects on India, fueling the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement as a key episode in the nation's fight for independence. Triggered by economic hardships and a desire for self-determination, this movement was led by early nationalists and revolutionaries who played a crucial role in shaping India's resistance narrative during the war.

Body

Influence of the First World War on Swadeshi and Boycott Movement:

• Economic Disruptions:
  • The war led to disruptions in the global economy, affecting India's trade and commerce adversely.
  • The British government imposed economic policies that exacerbated the economic hardships faced by Indians.
  • Rising inflation and scarcity of goods fueled discontent among the masses.
• Nationalistic Sentiments:
  • The war stirred nationalistic sentiments and a desire for self-reliance.
  • Indians felt betrayed by the imperial power's failure to address their economic concerns during the crisis.
  • The need for self-sufficiency and self-governance gained prominence.
• Revival of Swadeshi Movement:
  • The Swadeshi Movement, which initially emerged in response to the partition of Bengal in 1905, experienced a resurgence.
  • Indians were urged to promote indigenous products and boycott foreign goods.
  • The spinning wheel became a symbol of self-sufficiency, popularized by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Boycott of British Goods:
  • The call for the boycott of British goods gained widespread support.
  • Mass protests, public bonfires of foreign goods, and non-cooperation became integral to the movement.
  • Boycotting British goods became a form of nonviolent resistance against colonial rule.

Contributions of Early Nationalists and Revolutionaries:

• Leadership of Mahatma Gandhi:
  • Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance (satyagraha) became the guiding principle of the movement.
  • He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and urged Indians to weave their own cloth using the spinning wheel.
• Role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
  • Tilak's call for "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" resonated with the masses.
  • He inspired a sense of nationalism and resistance against British rule through his writings and speeches.
• Contribution of Bipin Chandra Pal:
  • Pal's efforts to unite the masses and promote indigenous industries contributed to the Swadeshi Movement.
  • He advocated for self-reliance as a means of breaking free from economic dependence.
• Revolutionary Movements:
  • Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and other revolutionaries inspired by the idea of armed struggle against British rule made significant contributions.
  • The Kakori Case, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Chittagong Armory Raid were notable instances of revolutionary resistance.

Conclusion

The First World War catalyzed the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement in India, channeling the discontent of the masses into a unified struggle against British rule. The contributions of early nationalists and revolutionaries during this critical period laid the foundation for a more assertive and organized freedom movement in the years to come.