Non-cooperation movement facts for kids

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a very important part of India's fight for freedom from British rule. It was led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This movement aimed to resist the British in India using peaceful methods. People refused to buy British goods. They also promoted local products. This was a big step in India's journey to independence.

The Non-Cooperation Movement

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a major protest in India. It happened from 1920 to 1922. This movement showed the world that Indians wanted to be free. It was one of the first times many ordinary people joined together. They followed Gandhi's ideas of non-violence.

What Was the Movement About?

The movement was about refusing to cooperate with the British government. This meant not working with them. It also meant not supporting their systems. The main goal was to make the British leave India. People wanted India to become an independent country.

Why Did it Start?

The movement started after a terrible event. This event was called the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. It happened in 1919. Many innocent people were killed by British soldiers. This made Indians very angry. Gandhi felt it was time for a big protest.

Gandhi's Role

Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of this movement. He believed in "satyagraha." This means holding onto truth through non-violence. Gandhi taught people to protest peacefully. He showed them how to resist without fighting. His ideas of Ahimsa (non-harm) were central. He inspired millions of people to join.

The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was a turning point. British troops fired on a peaceful crowd. This happened in Amritsar. Many people died or were hurt. This event made Gandhi decide to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement. He wanted to show the British that their actions were wrong.

How Did People Participate?

People joined the movement in many ways. They showed their protest peacefully. The movement officially began on September 5, 1920.

Non-Violent Actions

Protestors refused to buy goods made in Britain. They stopped using British schools and courts. Many people left their jobs in British offices. They wore clothes made from local cloth. They also protested outside shops selling foreign items. This was a way to hurt the British economy. It also showed their strong desire for freedom.

Why Did it End?

The Non-Cooperation Movement ended suddenly in February 1922. Gandhi had always stressed non-violence. He feared that the movement could become violent.

The Chauri Chaura Incident

A group of farmers in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, became violent. They set fire to a police station. This incident led to the deaths of several police officers. Gandhi was very upset by this violence. He believed that the movement was no longer peaceful. So, he decided to call off the entire movement.

Impact of the Movement

Even though it ended early, the Non-Cooperation Movement was very important. It showed the power of peaceful protest. It united many Indians against British rule. It also made Gandhi a national hero. This movement laid the groundwork for future independence struggles. It taught people that they could fight for their rights without violence.