- Conflict in India both during and in aftermath of First World War, though mainstream political leadership in India was loyal. Anti-British outbursts still occurred in Bengal and Punjab and expatriate Indians tried to encourage uprisings in India, with Irish Republican, German and Turkish support. Various attempts made to provoke mutiny in Indian Army, including 1915 Ghadar Conspiracy and Singapore Mutiny, a 7-day mutiny against British in Singapore.
- Eruptions occurred after Government of India Act 1919 as many nationalists felt let down by the treaty, the Congress president calling it ‘unsatisfactory’ and ‘disappointing’. Rowlatt Act passed, which allowed authorities to arrest people without trial.
- Conflict erupted in Punjab at Amritsar massacre. Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire upon a crowd containing mixture of Indians who had gathered to protest against arrest of two nationalist leaders. British government claimed 379 killed and 1200 wounded but Congress put deaths at 1000 with 1500 wounded. Dyer censured and resigned and British public opinion remained divided. Helped galvanise support for Gandhi’s Non-Co-Operation Movement.
- Further conflict occurred in Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where Non-Co-Operation Movement had police open fire. Demonstrators attacked police station and 3 civilians died.
- Protests remained cool over next 25 years thanks to Gandhi’s belief in non-violence. Salt March wasn’t particularly fiery, though 80,000 protestors did get arrested. Muslim League however grew in 1930s and became increasingly militant.
- Failure of Quit India campaign. Wave of violence swept country as Hindus and Muslims fought for independence, rejecting Britain’s offer for Dominion status by Stafford Cripps. 200,000 people participated in Quit India though lacked from inefficient leadership in clear goals – in Gandhi’s speech beginning the campaign, he did not outline any particular path for India after independence and seemed more concerned with spiritual side of India as opposed to practical in comparison to leaders like Nehru and Bose.
After campaign, various floggings took place and 100s were killed.