Describe the different stages of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

The Civil Disobedience Movement was a pivotal chapter in the Indian independence struggle, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 to protest against the oppressive salt tax imposed by the British colonial government. The movement unfolded in various stages, each marked by specific events and strategies:

1. Declaration of Intent (March 12, 1930):

   • The movement began with the Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, on March 12, 1930. Mahatma Gandhi, along with a group of followers, walked approximately 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, Gujarat, reaching the Arabian Sea on April 6, 1930.
   • The symbolic act of making salt from seawater at Dandi was a direct challenge to the British monopoly on salt production and distribution.

2. Nationwide Civil Disobedience (April 6, 1930):

   • Following the Dandi March, Gandhi called for a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement. Indians were urged to break the salt laws, boycott British goods, and engage in acts of nonviolent protest against oppressive policies.
   • People across the country participated in picketing, nonviolent marches, and non-cooperation with the British authorities.

3. Salt Satyagraha (April 6 – May 5, 1930):

   • The salt satyagraha involved the illegal production and sale of salt by Indians. This act of nonviolent resistance aimed to challenge the British monopoly on salt and demonstrate the power of mass non-cooperation.
   • Salt depots were raided, and people started manufacturing salt in small quantities, disregarding the Salt Acts. The movement gained widespread support and attention.

4. Gandhi's Arrest and Negotiations (May 5, 1930):

   • On May 5, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi was arrested for violating the salt laws. His arrest sparked a wave of protests across the country.
   • The British government initiated negotiations with Gandhi, leading to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in March 1931. As a result, the Civil Disobedience Movement was temporarily suspended, and Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London.

5. Resumption of Civil Disobedience (January 26, 1932):

   • The Second Round Table Conference did not yield significant concessions, and upon Gandhi's return to India, he resumed the Civil Disobedience Movement on January 26, 1932.
   • The movement focused on issues beyond salt, including the demand for self-rule, the release of political prisoners, and social reforms.

6. Repression and Repressive Laws:

   • The British responded with increased repression, using force to quell protests and arresting thousands of activists. The government also enacted repressive laws, such as the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Disputes Bill, to suppress dissent.
   • Despite the repression, the movement continued to resist British rule through nonviolent means.

7. End of the Civil Disobedience Movement (April 7, 1934):

   • By April 7, 1934, Mahatma Gandhi formally ended the Civil Disobedience Movement. The decision was influenced by various factors, including internal dissension within the Congress and concerns about maintaining nonviolence.
   • The movement did not achieve its immediate political goals but left a lasting impact on the Indian independence struggle by highlighting the power of nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization.

The Civil Disobedience Movement, with its emphasis on nonviolence, mass participation, and non-cooperation, played a crucial role in shaping the strategies and ethos of the Indian independence movement. Despite not achieving immediate political gains, it significantly contributed to the momentum that ultimately led to India's independence in 1947.