Summary of Civil Disobedience Movement & Round Table Conference | Modern History

Summary of the Video on Civil Disobedience Movement & Round Table Conference

Main Ideas and Concepts:

Simon Commission (1927-1928):
- Formed to investigate the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919.
- Comprised entirely of British members, leading to widespread opposition in India.
- The commission's visit sparked protests, including the raising of black flags and slogans like "Vande Mataram."
Lala Lajpat Rai's Death:
- During protests against the Simon Commission, Lala Lajpat Rai was injured in a lathi charge and later died, galvanizing further opposition.
Challenge to Indian Political Parties:
- The British Prime Minister challenged Indian leaders to draft a constitution that would be accepted by all political parties, leading to the formation of the Nehru Report.
Nehru Report (1928):
- Drafted by a committee led by Motilal Nehru, with Jawaharlal Nehru as secretary.
- Proposed a dominion status for India, equal rights for men and women, and a federal government structure.
- Rejected by the Muslim League, led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who presented his own 14 points.
Demand for Purna Swaraj:
- In the Lahore session of Congress in 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru declared the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
- January 26, 1930, was established as Purna Swaraj Day.
Civil Disobedience Movement:
- Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in response to the rejection of his 11 demands by Lord Irwin, including the right to make salt.
- The Dandi March (March 12 - April 6, 1930) marked the beginning of the movement, where Gandhi and followers marched to produce salt illegally.
Round Table Conferences:
- Three conferences held in London (1930-1932) aimed at discussing constitutional reforms.
- The first conference failed due to the absence of Congress representatives.
- The second conference saw Gandhi representing Congress, but it ended without agreement, particularly regarding separate electorates for Dalits.
Puna Pact (1932):
- Agreement between Gandhi and Ambedkar to avoid separate electorates for Dalits, instead increasing reservations for them.
Government of India Act (1935):
- Resulted from the discussions in the Round Table Conferences, laying the groundwork for India’s governance post-independence.

Methodology / List of Instructions:

Understanding the Historical Context:
- Familiarize with the political landscape of India in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Key Events Timeline:
- 1927: Formation of Simon Commission.
- 1928: Protests against Simon Commission and the Nehru Report.
- 1929: Lahore session of Congress and declaration of Purna Swaraj.
- 1930: Start of Civil Disobedience Movement and Dandi March.
- 1931-1932: Round Table Conferences.
- 1932: Puna Pact.
- 1935: Government of India Act.
Key Figures to Remember:
- Mahatma Gandhi: Leader of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: Key figure in drafting the Nehru Report and advocating for complete independence.
- Motilal Nehru: Head of the committee that drafted the Nehru Report.
- Mohammad Ali Jinnah: Leader of the Muslim League, opposed the Nehru Report.
- Baba Saheb Ambedkar: Advocate for Dalit rights, involved in the Round Table Conferences.

Speakers/Sources Featured:

Pooja: Host and educator from Parcham classes.
Mahatma Gandhi: Leader of the Indian independence movement.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Prominent political leader and advocate for Indian independence.
Motilal Nehru: Key figure in the Congress party and the Nehru Report.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah: Leader of the Muslim League.
Baba Saheb Ambedkar: Social reformer and advocate for Dalit rights.
Sarojini Naidu: Prominent leader and participant in the Dandi March.

This summary captures the essential elements discussed in the video, providing a clear outline of the historical context, key events, and important figures related to the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Round Table Conferences in India.

Notable Quotes

— 10:41 — « We do not want this domino peace state, we do not want someone else to rule over us, so we need complete freedom. »

— 11:22 — « For the first time on 26th January 1930, we started talking about complete Swaraj. »

— 15:13 — « We had asked for bread, but in return we got insulted. »