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.

Important Differences

vs First Phase of Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-31)

Aspect	This Topic	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.

vs Quit India Movement (1942)

Aspect	This Topic	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.