Aim: Trace Nationalist Activity in India

Indian Nationalism Grows End of WWI broke up the Ottomans Weakening of these empires stirred nationalist activity in India Indian nationalism had been growing since the mid 1800’s 2 groups formed to rid India of foreign rule 1) Hindu Indian National Congress or Congress Party (1885) 2) Muslim League (1906) These 2 groups both worked toward the goal of independence from the British 2

World War I Increases Nationalist Activity Millions of Indians enlisted in the British army In return, the British government promised reforms that would eventually lead to self-government 1918: They expected Britain to fulfill its promise Instead treated as second class citizens 1919: To curb dissent, British passed the Rowlatt Acts Laws allowed govnt to jail protesters w/o trial for as long as 2 years 3

Amritsar Massacre To protest the Rowlatt Acts, 10,000 Hindus and Muslims flocked to Amritsar 1919: Intended to fast & pray & to listen to political speeches Demonstration alarmed the British British commander at Amritsar ordered his troops to fire on the crowd w/o warning 400 Indians died & 1,200 were wounded Slaughter called Amritsar Massacre Sparked an explosion of anger across India 4