The phase leading up to the Civil Disobedience Movement in India was marked by growing discontent with British colonial rule, particularly following the events of the 1920s. The culmination of various protests, repressive policies, and a desire for self-rule set the stage for a more organized and widespread resistance against British authority.

After the Non-Cooperation Movement was called off in 1922 due to incidents of violence, the Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, recognized the need for a new strategy to mobilize the masses. The disillusionment with the British government’s inability to address Indian demands for self-rule and the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary Indians made a compelling case for a more assertive form of protest.

The Simon Commission, which arrived in India in 1928, became a flashpoint for nationalist sentiments. The Commission, which did not include any Indian members, faced widespread opposition. Protests erupted across the country, reflecting the growing frustration with the British disregard for Indian voices. The slogan “Simon Go Back” became emblematic of this resistance.

In response to these events, the Congress, in its Lahore session of 1929, declared the goal of complete independence. This marked a significant shift from seeking dominion status to full self-rule. The resolution, passed under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, emphasized the urgent need for a more vigorous campaign against colonial rule.

In 1930, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to defy unjust laws and promote non-violent resistance. The movement was rooted in the philosophy of Satyagraha, which advocated for truth and non-violence as a means of protest. Gandhi called for a mass mobilization of Indians to resist British laws and practices that were deemed oppressive.

One of the most iconic actions of the Civil Disobedience Movement was the Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, which began on March 12, 1930. Gandhi and a group of followers marched 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to make salt, defying the British monopoly on salt production. This act of civil disobedience galvanized the Indian population, encouraging people from various walks of life to participate in the struggle against colonial rule.

The Salt March not only highlighted the unjust salt laws but also served as a powerful symbol of resistance against British oppression. It attracted significant media attention both in India and abroad, drawing widespread support for the Indian independence movement. As more individuals joined the movement, acts of defiance proliferated across the country, leading to the widespread breaking of various colonial laws.

The British response to the Civil Disobedience Movement was repressive. Thousands of activists were arrested, including Gandhi himself, who was imprisoned for his role in the movement. However, the movement succeeded in uniting diverse sections of Indian society, including peasants, workers, and women, in a common struggle against colonial rule.

The Civil Disobedience Movement also led to the emergence of new leadership within the Indian National Congress. The involvement of various groups in the struggle brought forward new voices and perspectives, enriching the discourse around nationalism and independence.

As the movement progressed, it became clear that civil disobedience would play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian independence struggle. The methods employed during this phase laid the groundwork for further mass movements and solidified the resolve of Indians to seek self-rule, highlighting the effectiveness of non-violent resistance as a strategy for challenging colonial authority.