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Notes

Quit India Movement

Definition/Introduction

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, was a significant milestone in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Launched on August 8, 1942, by the Indian National Congress, it marked a critical phase in the Indian freedom struggle, with a clear demand for the British to leave India.

Constitutional Provisions

The Quit India Movement was not a constitutional event but a mass movement that arose from the failure of constitutional negotiations.

Historical Evolution

**1939**: World War II begins, British India's involvement leads to dissatisfaction among Indians.

**1940**: The Lahore Resolution calls for complete independence.

**1942**: The Indian National Congress passes the Quit India Resolution, calling for immediate independence.

**August 8, 1942**: The movement is officially launched.

Classification/Types

**Civil Disobedience**: Refusal to obey British laws.

**Mass Mobilization**: Involvement of various sections of society, including students, women, and peasants.

**Non-violent Resistance**: Emphasis on non-violent means, yet leading to violence in many areas due to repression.

Important Provisions/Features

1. Nationwide participation of various communities and classes.

2. Leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasized non-violence and civil disobedience.

3. The slogan 'Do or Die' which galvanized the masses.

4. The movement faced severe repression from the British government, including arrests of key leaders.

5. The demand for complete independence rather than dominion status.

Landmark Judgments

**None applicable**: The Quit India Movement does not have landmark judgments associated with it, as it was a mass movement rather than a legal battle.

Amendments

No constitutional amendments directly related to the Quit India Movement, but it impacted later negotiations leading to independence.

Comparison Tables

| Feature | Quit India Movement | Civil Disobedience Movement |

|---------|-------------------|----------------------------|

| Year | 1942 | 1930 |

| Leader | Mahatma Gandhi | Mahatma Gandhi |

| Focus | Immediate withdrawal of British | Non-payment of taxes |

UPSC Exam Focus

The significance of the Quit India Movement in the context of Indian nationalism.

Key leaders and their roles in the movement.

The immediate and long-term impacts of the movement on India's struggle for independence.

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Key Concepts

Quit India Resolution - 1942, a significant movement for India's independence.

Gandhi's call for 'Do or Die' - a clarion call for mass participation.

Role of the Indian National Congress - the leading political party advocating for independence.

Formation of the All India Congress Committee - pivotal in organizing the movement.

Repression by British - the government responded with mass arrests and violence.

Formation of the Indian National Army (INA) - contributed to the nationalist sentiment.

Role of students and youth - critical in mobilizing support for the movement.

Emergence of the Quit India Movement as a turning point in Indian nationalism.

Important Facts

•[1942] Quit India Resolution passedThis marked a significant escalation in the demand for independence.

•[1942] Mahatma Gandhi's 'Do or Die' sloganThis slogan was pivotal in mobilizing the masses.

•[1942] British repression during the movementThousands of leaders and activists were arrested to suppress the movement.

•[1942] Formation of the Indian National ArmyLed by Subhas Chandra Bose, it aimed to support the Quit India Movement.

•[1942] Mass participation from all sections of societyThe movement saw involvement from students, women, and various communities.

•[1942] August 1942 saw the movement's peakThe British government's repressive measures led to widespread violence.