What were the causes and impacts of non-cooperation movement of 1920-21

The Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-21 was a significant phase in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it aimed to peacefully protest against British rule and demand self-governance. The movement was characterized by the non-cooperation of Indians with British authorities, institutions, and products. It had several causes and left a profound impact on India's political landscape:

Causes:

1. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The brutal massacre in 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians, deeply angered and radicalized many Indians. This event fueled widespread resentment against British rule.
2. Rowlatt Act: Enacted in 1919, the Rowlatt Act gave the British government extensive powers to suppress political activities and detain individuals without trial. This repressive legislation led to widespread opposition.
3. Khilafat Movement: The movement launched by Indian Muslims to support the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I garnered significant attention. Mahatma Gandhi saw an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims under a common cause and collaborated with Muslim leaders.
4. Economic Exploitation: The economic exploitation of India by the British colonial rulers, including heavy taxation and resource extraction, led to widespread poverty and hardships for the Indian population.

Impacts:

1. Mass Mobilization: The Non-Cooperation Movement saw massive participation from Indians across different regions, castes, and religions. It brought millions of people into the fold of the independence struggle, showcasing the unity and determination of the Indian masses.
2. Boycott of British Goods: One of the key elements of the movement was the boycott of British goods, including clothing and other products. This impacted British trade and revenue, highlighting the economic power of Indian consumers.
3. Civil Disobedience: Indians willingly courted arrest and faced brutal repression as they engaged in acts of civil disobedience, such as non-participation in government institutions, non-payment of taxes, and protest rallies. This challenged British authority and demonstrated the resolve of the Indian people.
4. Change in Political Discourse: The movement shifted the focus of India's struggle from seeking reforms within the colonial framework to demanding complete independence. It marked a transition from moderate methods to more direct and forceful resistance against British rule.
5. Repression and Violence: The British responded with repression and violence, including arrests, lathi charges, and shootings of protesters. This led to casualties and further radicalization of the movement.
6. Withdrawal of Support to British Institutions: The withdrawal of Indians from British-run institutions, including educational institutions, councils, and legislatures, severely impacted the functioning of these institutions.
7. Split in the Movement: The movement was called off by Gandhi in 1922 due to incidents of violence in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, where a police station was set on fire. This decision caused a rift in the movement and led to a debate on the efficacy of non-violence as a strategy.
8. Long-Term Impact: While the movement did not immediately achieve its goal of complete independence, it laid the foundation for future resistance and played a pivotal role in shaping the political consciousness of the Indian populace. It also set the stage for the more intensified Civil Disobedience Movement and the eventual achievement of India's independence in 1947.

Overall, the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-21 was a crucial chapter in India's struggle for freedom, leaving a lasting impact on the country's political and social fabric.