The Indian National Congress for AP World History

Feb 2

2 min read

The role of the Indian National Congress after World War I is an illustrative example of the Unresolved Tensions after World War I topic in Unit 7 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru/public domain

The Indian National Congress (INC) emerged in 1885 as a pivotal platform for Indian nationalist leaders to advocate for political reform and greater representation under British colonial rule. Motivated by a desire to address the grievances of Indians who felt marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, the INC initially focused on seeking a greater voice for Indians in governance. Over time, however, the party’s objectives evolved to encompass broader goals of national independence and self-governance.

After World War I, the INC played a critical role in mobilizing Indian public opinion against oppressive British colonial policies. The Rowlatt Act of 1919, which aimed to suppress dissent and political agitation by granting the British colonial government sweeping powers of arrest and detention without trial, provoked widespread outrage across India. The INC vehemently opposed this draconian legislation, viewing it as a direct assault on civil liberties and fundamental rights. Under the leadership of figures like Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, the INC organized mass protests, strikes, and demonstrations to challenge the Rowlatt Act and demand its repeal.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 1919 further galvanized Indian opposition to British rule and strengthened the resolve of the INC in its struggle for independence. In Amritsar, Punjab, British troops under the command of General Reginald Dyer opened fire on unarmed civilians gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh public garden, indiscriminately killing hundreds of men, women, and children. The massacre shocked the conscience of the Indian nation and drew international condemnation, exposing the brutality of British colonial rule. The INC condemned the massacre in the strongest terms and called for nationwide protests and strikes to demand accountability for the perpetrators and justice for the victims.

These pivotal events fueled the momentum of India’s independence movement and propelled the INC to the forefront of the struggle against British imperialism. Through its advocacy for civil liberties, self-governance, and nonviolent resistance, the INC mobilized millions of Indians from diverse backgrounds and regions to join the fight for freedom. Ultimately, the persistent efforts of the INC, coupled with the broader Indian independence movement, led to India’s historic achievement of independence in 1947, marking the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifice.