Quit India Movement facts for kids

The Quit India Movement was a major protest started by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942. It happened during World War II and asked for an end to British rule in India. Gandhi launched the movement with a famous speech in Bombay, where he told Indians to Do or Die for their freedom.

The main goal was for the British to leave India immediately. However, the British quickly arrested most of the leaders of the Indian National Congress right after Gandhi's speech. This was an attempt to stop the movement from growing. Despite the arrests, people continued to protest against British authority.

What Caused the Quit India Movement?

The Quit India Movement began because many people in India were unhappy. One big reason was the failure of the Cripps Mission. This was a British plan that did not offer India the full independence it wanted.

Also, World War II was happening, and its effects made things difficult in India. People felt it was the right time to push for freedom. These feelings led Gandhi to call for the British to completely withdraw from India.

The Historic Resolution

On 14 July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met in Wardha. They passed a very important resolution, which is like a formal decision. This resolution demanded that power be given to Indians right away and that the British "Quit India."

Then, on 8 August 1942, the All India Congress Committee met in Bombay. They officially called for a large, non-violent struggle across the country. This is when Mahatma Gandhi gave his famous "Do or Die" speech.

The "Do or Die" Call

Gandhi's "Do or Die" speech was a powerful message. He told the people that they should either free India or die trying. This slogan became the main idea behind the movement. It inspired millions of Indians to take action for their country's freedom.

How People Protested

The call for the Quit India Movement brought many parts of the country to a standstill. People willingly joined the protests. They held hartals (strikes), demonstrations, and processions. Many people destroyed symbols of British power, like railway tracks, post offices, and police stations.

The movement was truly a mass movement. Thousands of students, workers, and farmers took part. It also saw many important leaders and women actively involved.

Key Leaders and Participants

Some of the important leaders who helped guide the movement included Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia, Sucheta Kriplani, and Jayaprakash Narayan. Many brave women also played a big role, such as Matangini Hazra in Bengal, Kanaklata Barua in Assam, and Rama Devi in Odisha.

The British government responded with a lot of force to try and stop the movement. However, it took them more than a year to fully control the widespread protests.

Images for kids

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  Gandhi discusses the movement with Nehru

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  A 2017 stamp sheet dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. It features the Martyr's Memorial Patna (bottom-left), Gandhi delivering his "Do or Die" speech on 8 August 1942 (3rd stamp), and a part of it: "The mantra is 'Do or Die'. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery." (1st stamp).

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  Picketing in front of Medical School at Bengaluru