The **Quit India Movement** was a significant campaign in the Indian independence struggle, launched by the Indian National Congress (INC) on **August 8, 1942**. It was a major push for British withdrawal from India and played a crucial role in the country's path to independence.
### **Background**
- **Context**: The movement arose during World War II, a period when the British government faced pressure to address the demands of the Indian nationalist movement. The failure of the Cripps Mission in March 1942, which aimed to secure Indian support for the war effort by promising a post-war constitutional settlement, further fueled discontent.
- **Objective**: The primary goal of the Quit India Movement was to demand an immediate end to British rule in India. The movement sought complete independence and a unified India free from colonial control.
### **Key Figures**
- **Mahatma Gandhi**: As the leader of the Indian National Congress, Gandhi was a central figure in the Quit India Movement. He coined the slogan "Do or Die" (Karo ya Maro), urging Indians to be prepared for a non-violent struggle for independence.
- **Jawaharlal Nehru**: A prominent leader in the INC, Nehru was also an important figure in the movement, advocating for the cause of independence and mobilizing support.
- **Sardar Patel**: Another key leader in the INC, Patel played a crucial role in organizing and rallying support for the Quit India Movement.
### **Events and Actions**
- **Launch and Response**: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the INC on August 8, 1942, during a session in Bombay (now Mumbai). The British response was swift and harsh, with mass arrests of Congress leaders and the suppression of protests.
- **Civil Disobedience**: The movement was marked by widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience across India. Despite Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violence, some incidents of violence occurred as the movement spread.
- **Repression**: The British government responded with severe measures, including the arrest of thousands of protesters, curfews, and the use of police and military force to suppress unrest.
### **Outcomes**
- **Repression and Resistance**: The movement led to widespread repression by the British authorities, but it also strengthened the resolve of many Indians to continue the struggle for independence.
- **Impact on Independence**: While the Quit India Movement did not immediately result in British withdrawal, it intensified the struggle for independence and increased political pressure on the British government.
- **Post-War Developments**: The movement, along with other factors, contributed to the growing demand for independence. The post-war period saw accelerated negotiations that eventually led to India's independence in 1947.
### **Significance**
- **National Unity**: The Quit India Movement was a unifying force in the Indian independence struggle, bringing together diverse sections of Indian society in a common cause.
- **Political Pressure**: The movement highlighted the urgency of the Indian independence issue on the global stage and increased pressure on the British government to address Indian demands.
### **Legacy**
- **Independence Movement**: The Quit India Movement remains a significant milestone in the Indian independence movement, symbolizing the determination and resilience of the Indian people in their quest for freedom.
- **Historical Impact**: The movement demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and civil resistance in challenging colonial rule and shaping the course of history.
The Quit India Movement was a pivotal event in the Indian struggle for independence, reflecting the widespread desire for self-rule and the determination of Indian leaders and citizens to end British colonial rule.
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