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Class 8 History Notes

The Making of the National Movement (1870–1947)

1. Emergence of Nationalism

Around 1870–1880 an important change started in India.

Earlier, people were divided by regions, languages and communities. Very few people thought that all Indians belonged to one nation.

But British policies made Indians realize that they were being treated unfairly.

If we want our rights, we must raise our voice together.

Hard Words Meaning

Nationalism – राष्ट्रवाद Regions – क्षेत्र Communities – समुदाय Policies – नीतियाँ Unfairly – अन्यायपूर्ण तरीके से Rights – अधिकार Unite – एकजुट होना

2. Discriminatory Laws

The British government passed some unfair laws.

Arms Act (1878)

• Indians were not allowed to keep weapons.
• British people could keep weapons.

Vernacular Press Act (1878)

• Controlled newspapers written in Indian languages.
• Newspapers criticizing the government could be closed.

Hard Words Meaning

Discriminatory – भेदभावपूर्ण Weapons – हथियार Vernacular – स्थानीय भाषा Press – समाचार पत्र Criticize – आलोचना करना Freedom of Expression – अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता

3. Formation of Indian National Congress

In 1885 the Indian National Congress was formed to represent Indian problems.

Important Leaders

• Dadabhai Naoroji
• Allan Octavian Hume

Main Objectives

• Present Indian problems to the government
• Demand rights and reforms
• Spread awareness

Hard Words Meaning

Formation – स्थापना Represent – प्रतिनिधित्व करना Objectives – उद्देश्य Reforms – सुधार Awareness – जागरूकता

4. Growth of Mass Nationalism

After World War I many common people joined the national movement.

• Prices increased
• Taxes increased
• Jobs were affected

Women, farmers, workers and students also joined the struggle.

Hard Words Meaning

Mass Movement – जन आंदोलन Taxes – कर Struggle – संघर्ष Affected – प्रभावित

5. Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi gave a new direction to the national movement.

He used the method of Satyagraha (non-violent protest).

Hard Words Meaning

Arrival – आगमन Direction – दिशा Satyagraha – सत्य और अहिंसा पर आधारित आंदोलन Non-violent – अहिंसक

6. Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh

The British passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919.

• People could be arrested without trial.
• Freedom was restricted.

On 13 April 1919, many people gathered in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.

General Dyer ordered soldiers to fire on the crowd.

This tragic event shocked the whole nation.

Hard Words Meaning

Arrest – गिरफ्तार करना Trial – मुकदमा Restricted – सीमित Massacre – नरसंहार Tragic – दुखद

Conclusion

• British policies created dissatisfaction.
• Congress spread awareness and unity.
• Common people joined the movement.
• Gandhi led peaceful struggles.
• Events like Jallianwala Bagh strengthened the freedom movement.