The period surrounding the First World War marked a significant turning point in the Indian nationalist movement. The war, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, had profound implications for India, both politically and socially. It catalyzed various movements that sought to challenge British colonial rule.

During the First World War, India contributed significantly to the British war effort, with over a million Indian soldiers serving in various capacities. However, despite these contributions, the post-war period saw widespread discontent due to the British government's failure to address Indian demands for self-rule. The war exacerbated economic hardships, leading to increased taxation and inflation, which further fueled public anger.

In response to the discontent, the British government introduced the repressive Rowlatt Act in 1919, which aimed to curb political dissent. This act allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial, leading to widespread protests and unrest across the country. The brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in April 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians, galvanized public outrage and intensified the demand for independence.

Simultaneously, the Khilafat Movement emerged as a response to the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Indian Muslims, led by leaders such as Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, sought to protect the Caliphate and advocated for the rights of Muslims in India and abroad. The Khilafat Movement gained momentum, appealing to a broad base of Muslims in India who were united in their opposition to British imperialism.

Recognizing the potential of the Khilafat Movement, Mahatma Gandhi sought to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common struggle against colonial rule. In 1920, he launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, urging Indians to withdraw from British institutions, including schools, courts, and government jobs. Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance resonated with many Indians who were disillusioned with British rule.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was marked by mass participation, with millions of Indians joining protests, boycotts, and strikes. The movement aimed to promote self-reliance and encourage Indians to produce and consume goods made in India, thereby undermining British economic interests. Khadi, or hand-spun cloth, became a powerful symbol of this movement, representing self-sufficiency and national pride.

However, the movement faced challenges, particularly in 1922, when violence erupted in Chauri Chaura, where protesters killed police officers. Gandhi, adhering to his principles of non-violence, called off the movement, recognizing the need to reassess the strategy. This decision was met with disappointment by many supporters who had invested in the struggle for independence.

The First World War, Khilafat Movement, and the Non-Cooperation Movement together represented a significant phase in the Indian freedom struggle. They marked the growing consciousness of the Indian populace regarding their rights and the necessity for self-rule. The period also highlighted the importance of unity among different religious communities in the fight against colonialism.

The aftermath of these movements laid the groundwork for subsequent nationalist efforts and continued to shape the trajectory of the struggle for independence in the following decades. The increasing political engagement and awareness among Indians during this time played a crucial role in the eventual quest for freedom from British rule.