The Indian National Congress for AP World History

Feb 10

2 min read

The Indian National Congress is an illustrative example of the Decolonization after 1900 topic in Unit 8 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

Crowd with Indian National Congress Flags 194016494/Shutterstock

The Indian National Congress (INC) stands as a cornerstone in India’s historical narrative, embodying the nation’s struggle for independence and subsequent efforts in nation-building. Established in 1885, the INC initially provided a platform for Indian intellectuals, professionals, and political leaders to voice grievances against British colonial rule and advocate for reforms. Spearheaded by notable figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and later, Mahatma Gandhi, the INC transitioned into a mass movement, mobilizing millions of Indians across diverse backgrounds in the fight for freedom.

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance became a defining feature of the INC’s approach, inspiring widespread civil disobedience, boycotts, and protests against British rule. Through landmark campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt Satyagraha, and the Quit India Movement, the INC garnered significant domestic support and garnered international attention to India’s quest for independence.

Following India’s independence in 1947, the INC assumed a leading role in the country’s political landscape, tasked with the formidable challenge of nation-building amidst the aftermath of partition. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s inaugural Prime Minister and a prominent INC leader, spearheaded efforts to establish a democratic, secular, and socialist state, laying the groundwork for India’s modern institutions and development trajectory.

Throughout subsequent decades, the INC has remained a dominant force in Indian politics, advocating for social justice, economic progress, and secularism. Despite facing challenges and critiques, the INC’s legacy as the torchbearer of the freedom struggle persists, influencing India’s democratic principles and serving as a beacon of the nation’s unwavering commitment to pluralism, inclusivity, and advancement.