Quit India Movement

The course of Indian history has seen major revolutions and movements like Non-Cooperation Movement, Indian National Movement, Home Rule Movement, and Civil Disobedience Movement. One such crucial movement was the Quit India Movement, which is a part of modern history and competitive exams like UPSC 410. This movement was launched by Gandhi to ensure the freedom of India from British rule. It was one of the major movements that led to our nation’s independence and had major repercussions. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, demands, and consequences of the movement at length. 

Key Facts About Quit India Movement for UPSC

1. On 8th August 1942, It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai to end British rule. He was named the leader of the movement
2. Gandhiji gave the call “Do or Die” in his speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, now popularly known as August Kranti Maidan.
3. Aruna Asaf Ali, a leader that emerged from the movement was popularly known as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Independence Movement. 
4. Yusuf Meherally, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as Mayor of Mumbai coined the slogan Quit India’ 
5. It is also known as the India August Movement
6. The resolution asked for:
   1. the immediate end of the British Raj on India.
   2. a government to be formed in India after the British left.
   3. a declaration on the commitment of India to be a free state and be able to defend itself from imperialism and fascism
   4. civil disobedience movement to be sanctioned

What Led to the Quit India Movement?

The major driving force of this Movement was the collapse of the Cripps Mission. Additionally, the anti-British sentiments had gained popularity among the Indian masses. Other movements that were being conducted in association with the affiliated bodies of the Congress – All India Kisan Sabha, Forward Bloc, etc prepared the ground for the movement. There were militant outbursts occurring at several places which got channelized through this Movement and the economy was also shattered as a result of World War II.

Demand of the Quit India Movement

The main demand of the movement was to end British rule in India and to get the cooperation of Indians against fascism. In addition to this, there was a demand to form a provisional government after the withdrawal of the Britishers. 

Phases of the Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement can be divided into three phases – 

Women’s Participation in the Quit India Movement

Women played an active role in the movement as well. Leaders like Usha Mehta set up an underground radio station which led to the awakening regarding the movement in the masses.

Who Supported the Quit India Movement?

• The movement was not supported by groups like – the Mulsim League, Hindu Mahasabha, the Communist Party of India, and the Indian Bureaucracy.
• The Muslim League favoured the British as they were allied with the Soviet Union.
• The Hindu Mahasabha boycotted the movement as it believed it would create internal disorder and hence endanger internal security during the war.
• Meanwhile, the Indian National Army and the Azad Hind government were organized by Subhash Chandra Bose from outside the country.

Check out the Popular Struggles and Movements

Outcomes of Quit India Movement

The Quit India had major repercussions as the movement was violently suppressed by the British. 

• Nearly 1,00,000 people were arrested. The government stooped down to the method of violence to crush the agitation.
• The Indian National Congress was declared an unlawful association. 
• Aruna Asaf Ali emerged from the movement.
• The British refused to grant immediate independence as they believed that India was ungovernable in the long run due to the cost of World War II.
• The movement was crushed in 1944.

Quit India Movement Speech

Non- Cooperation Movement

The non-cooperation movement was launched in 1920 on 5th September. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi & focused on abolishing the use of British products, declining or resigning from British posts, and educational institutions, and prohibiting government regulations, courts, etc. The movement was non-violent & launched to withdraw the nation’s cooperation after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre & Rowlatt Act. Mahatma Gandhi stated India could achieve independence within a year if this movement was a success. It was the transition of individuals to a mass movement. Non-cooperation was focused to get full independence also known as Purna Swaraj. To know more, check out our blog on Non-Cooperation Movement: Features, Causes and Results

Civil Disobedience Movement

Civil disobedience was initiated under the stewardship of Mahatma Gandhi. It was launched after the observance of Independence Day in 1930. The civil disobedience movement commenced with the infamous Dandi march when Gandhi left the Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad on foot with 78 other members of the Ashram for Dandi on 12 March 1930. After reaching Dandi, Gandhi broke the salt law. It was considered illegal to make salt as it was solely a government monopoly. The salt satyagraha led to a widespread acceptance of the civil Disobedience movement across the country. This event became symbolic of people’s defiance of government policies. To know more, check out our blog on Civil Disobedience Movement

Quit India Movement PPT

Quit India Movement from Suhas Mandlik

Questions for UPSC on Quit India Movement

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