Second Phase and Suspension — Historical Overview
Historical Overview
The Second Phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), from late 1931 to May 1934, began after Mahatma Gandhi's unsuccessful participation in the Second Round Table Conference. Upon his return, the British government, under Viceroy Lord Willingdon, initiated a severe 'iron hand' policy, immediately arresting Gandhi and other key Congress leaders.
Draconian ordinances were promulgated, leading to widespread arrests, bans on organizations, and suppression of civil liberties. This phase saw a significant decline in mass participation due to intense repression.
A pivotal event was the 'Communal Award' of August 1932, which proposed separate electorates for Dalits. Gandhi launched a 'fast unto death' in protest, leading to the 'Poona Pact' in September 1932. This agreement, negotiated between Gandhi and Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar, replaced separate electorates for Dalits with reserved seats within joint electorates, preserving Hindu unity while ensuring Dalit representation. Following the pact, Gandhi shifted his focus to the 'Harijan campaign,' dedicating himself to eradicating untouchability and promoting social reform.
This moral and social focus, coupled with the exhaustion of the movement and relentless government repression, led to the formal suspension of the CDM in May 1934. The period marked a strategic evolution for Gandhi, emphasizing individual satyagraha and constructive work when mass action was unsustainable.
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Side-by-side differences the UPSC paper likes to test.
| Aspect | Second Phase and Suspension | First Phase of Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-31) |
|---|---|---|
| Period | First Phase (1930-1931) | Second Phase (1932-1934) |
| Government Response | Initially cautious, later repressive (Irwin's approach) | Immediate, severe, and systematic repression (Willingdon's 'iron hand') |
| Gandhi's Strategy | Mass mobilization (Salt Satyagraha, widespread defiance) | Individual Satyagraha, focus on moral purity and Harijan work |
| Participation Levels | High, widespread across classes and regions | Significantly lower, limited mass enthusiasm due to repression |
| Key Events | Dandi March, Salt Satyagraha, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, First Round Table Conference | Gandhi's arrest, Ordinances, Communal Award, Poona Pact, Harijan Campaign |
| International Context | Global economic depression, growing international sympathy for India | Continued global depression, British focus on internal issues, less international attention |
| Outcomes | Gandhi-Irwin Pact, temporary truce, participation in RTTC | Poona Pact, shift to constructive program, eventual suspension of CDM |
The first phase of the CDM (1930-31) was characterized by unprecedented mass participation, symbolized by the Salt Satyagraha, and a relatively less severe initial government response, culminating in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
In contrast, the second phase (1932-34) faced immediate and brutal government repression, leading to a significant decline in mass enthusiasm. Gandhi's strategy shifted from mass action to individual satyagraha and a strong focus on social reform (Harijan campaign) and the Poona Pact.
This phase ultimately saw the movement's suspension due to exhaustion and repression, marking a strategic retreat and reorientation.
Why it is tested: This comparison is crucial for Mains GS-I questions asking to 'critically analyze' or 'compare and contrast' the phases of the CDM. It helps aspirants understand the evolution of nationalist strategy and British policy.
| Aspect | Second Phase and Suspension | Quit India Movement (1942) |
|---|---|---|
| Period | Second Phase CDM (1932-1934) | Quit India Movement (1942) |
| Nature of Movement | Primarily non-violent, individual satyagraha, constructive work | Mass movement, spontaneous, often violent, 'Do or Die' call |
| Leadership | Gandhi and top leaders arrested early, movement sustained by lower cadres and individual acts | Top leadership arrested immediately, movement became leaderless and spontaneous |
| Government Response | Systematic repression, ordinances, mass arrests, bans | Brutal repression, military force, aerial bombing, mass arrests, complete suppression |
| Objective | Sustain resistance, social reform, moral purification, Purna Swaraj | Immediate British withdrawal from India ('Quit India') |
| International Context | Global Depression, less international focus on India | World War II (Japan's advance), Allied pressure on Britain |
| Outcomes | Suspension of CDM, focus on constructive work, Poona Pact | Crushed by government, but demonstrated India's resolve, paved way for independence |
While both movements faced severe British repression, the Second Phase of CDM was a more controlled, non-violent, and strategically adaptive movement, shifting to individual satyagraha and social reform when mass action was unsustainable.
The Quit India Movement, in contrast, was a spontaneous, leaderless, and often violent mass uprising, demanding immediate British withdrawal amidst World War II. The 'Do or Die' call reflected a more aggressive stance, contrasting with the more patient and morally driven approach of the CDM's second phase.
Why it is tested: This comparison helps in understanding the evolution of nationalist strategies under Gandhi, from sustained non-violent pressure to a more urgent, 'final push' approach. It's vital for Mains questions on the changing nature of Indian nationalism.