1 The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation

The First World War (1914–1918) marked a turning point in the history of Indian nationalism. The war created new economic hardships while raising political expectations among Indians. After the war, disappointment with British policies deepened resentment and widened support for mass movements. The alliance between the Khilafat leaders and the Congress under Gandhi transformed nationalism into a broad-based struggle.

Impact of the First World War

• Economic Strain: War expenditure increased taxes and customs duties, placing heavy burdens on ordinary people. Prices of essential goods rose sharply, leading to inflation and hardship. Economic suffering strengthened anti-colonial sentiment.
• Forced Recruitment: Villages were pressured to supply soldiers for the British army. Many families experienced loss and disruption. Rural discontent grew during and after the war.
• Political Expectations: Indian leaders expected greater self-governance in return for wartime support. However, reforms remained limited and disappointing. Betrayal intensified nationalist resolve.

The Khilafat Issue

• Defence of the Caliphate: After the war, the Ottoman Caliph faced harsh treatment by Allied powers. Indian Muslim leaders launched the Khilafat movement to protect the Caliph’s authority. Religious concern merged with anti-imperial protest.
• Hindu–Muslim Unity: Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause to strengthen communal unity. Cooperation between Congress and Muslim leaders broadened the nationalist base. Unity enhanced political momentum.
• Mass Mobilisation: The Khilafat agitation mobilised traders, peasants, and clerics. Religious networks facilitated rapid spread of protest. Nationalism gained deeper social roots.

The Non-Cooperation Movement

• Withdrawal from Institutions: Gandhi urged Indians to boycott government schools, courts, and councils. The aim was to deny legitimacy to colonial authority. Non-violent resistance became central strategy.
• Boycott of Foreign Goods: People promoted swadeshi by rejecting imported textiles. Bonfires of foreign cloth symbolised resistance. Economic boycott became political protest.
• Suspension after Chauri Chaura: Violent clashes in 1922 led Gandhi to withdraw the movement. He believed non-violence was essential for moral strength. The episode revealed tensions within mass mobilisation.

Historical Significance

• Beginning of Mass Nationalism: For the first time, large numbers of peasants, workers, and women joined political action. Nationalism expanded beyond educated elites. The struggle became truly popular.
• Experiment in Non-Violence: Non-cooperation introduced disciplined mass protest as political weapon. Moral authority challenged imperial power. It reshaped methods of resistance.
• Foundation for Future Movements: Though withdrawn, the movement prepared ground for Civil Disobedience. Organisational experience increased. National unity deepened despite setbacks.