Theme: Create mass support

Description: The creation of the Indian National League was prompted by more educated upper-class Indians who felt that there was not enough Indian representation in the government. The nationalist group was formed in 1885 consisting of mainly wealthy middle-class Indians.

Importance: The Indian National League was seen as the tie between the Indian population and the British powers. However, as unemployment and poverty became more evident in the community due to British rule, The INL became more radicalised and nationalistic.

This movement prompted the British into rethinking their policies and further allowed Indians to understand their ability to question the decisions of the colonial powers.

This campaign meant that many Indians renounced their titles, refused to work under/for the British, refuse to buy British goods, and did not pay taxes. 

The campaign inevitably led to violence, which resulted in the end of the campaign, and the arrest of Gandhi.

Importance: This nonviolent form of protest exposes the dependence of the British on Indian labor, which could enforce nationalistic ideas in communities. The oppressors become increasingly aware of their ability to overthrow the British in becoming an individual state, which further proves and strengthens their own nationalism and belief in their own country's strength. 

This Depression caused major economic and social change in India. India saw a decline in overseas market exports and the value of exports dropped, forcing peasants to resort to borrowing and potentially kicked off land if their debt became too demanding. A large majority of rural people were left unemployed. As a consequence, the peasants migrated to urban areas to look for jobs, but instead contributed to the increase of unemployment in urban areas. 

Importance: The issues inflicted upon India both economically and socially brought about the civil unrest of the 1930s. Masses were unsatisfied and angered over their unemployment, causing them to join the nationalist movement.

Gandhi led one of the campaigns of Civil Disobedience where he marched with thousands of followers to collect salt. Salt was taxed by the British, and by taking their own salt, the Indians opposed the tax. Though this was not seen as a large issue by British officials, it symbolized India’s dependence. Gandhi and 100,000 Indians were arrested and jailed. The campaign was returned with large attention and great publicity. 

Importance: Civil disobedience, similar to non-cooperation, is an effective form of protest as it is non-violent and usually opposes unjust laws/policies in a proper approach. The increase of these campaigns showed Indians their ability to defy their oppressors. 

The success and recognition following the campaigns enforce nationalistic ideas. More people are starting to understand the individuality of their nation. 

Importance: This encouraged groups of people with the same religious beliefs to come together and fight for their beliefs; increasing nationalism in India.

In 1917, Britain announced that they were gradually implementing self-governing institutions. But did not follow through with this as it was turned down by the Congress and Muslim League due to it not being extensive enough.

The Act was an extension from the emergency measures implemented during WWI to control public unrest and remove any conspiracy in India.
The Act allowed the government to imprison anyone suspected of overthrowing the government without trial.

Importance: This repressive Act angered the people and Congress (Indian National Congress) quickly organized protests against this law. These protests became bigger and people rallied behind the cause forcing the government to send in troops to stop them. This led to the Amritsar Massacre later on. 

As Britain was on the brink of bankruptcy, having to require support from other countries like the United States, it helped to strengthen the nationalist forces in India; pushing for independence.