Sst8

Class 8 History Notes

Chapter: 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. Because of this, people started feeling that they must unite and demand their rights.

Discriminatory Laws

Arms Act (1878)

• Indians were not allowed to keep weapons.
• British people were allowed to keep weapons.
• This made Indians feel weak and powerless.

Vernacular Press Act (1878)

• Controlled newspapers written in Indian languages.
• Newspapers criticizing the government could be closed.
• This limited freedom of expression.

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

This feeling led to the rise of nationalism in India.

2. Formation of the Indian National Congress

As dissatisfaction grew, educated leaders felt that Indians needed an organization to represent their problems.

So in 1885 the Indian National Congress was formed.

Important Leaders

• Dadabhai Naoroji
• Allan Octavian Hume

Main Objectives

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

3. A Nation in the Making

At that time India was facing many problems:

• Government jobs were mostly given to British people
• Indians got lower positions
• Farmers paid heavy taxes
• Workers worked hard for low wages
• Forest dwellers lost their traditional rights
• Famines and food shortages occurred

People realized that their problems were similar.

This helped create the feeling that they belonged to one nation.

4. Spreading Awareness

Congress leaders spread awareness through:

• Newspaper articles
• Public speeches
• Meetings and discussions

If Indians unite, they can fight for their rights.

This process is called “A Nation in the Making.”

5. Growth of Mass Nationalism

At first, the national movement included mostly educated leaders.

But after World War I, common people also joined the movement.

Problems After the War

• Prices increased
• Taxes increased
• Trade and jobs were affected
• Poor people suffered the most

By 1920 many groups joined the struggle:

• Women
• Farmers
• Workers
• Students
• Small traders

The freedom struggle became a movement of the whole nation.

6. Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi

India got a new leader — Mahatma Gandhi.

Before coming to India, he lived in South Africa and used Satyagraha (non-violent protest) against injustice.

After returning to India, Gandhi travelled across the country to understand people's problems.

7. Three Important Movements (1918)

Champaran Movement

• Farmers were forced to grow indigo.
• Gandhi helped farmers get relief.

Kheda Movement

• Crops were destroyed due to drought.
• Gandhi demanded tax relief.

Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike

• Workers demanded fair wages.
• Gandhi supported them.

During these struggles Gandhi met leaders like:

• Rajendra Prasad
• Vallabhbhai Patel

8. Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)

The British government passed the Rowlatt Act.

• Police could arrest people without trial
• Freedom of people was restricted

This law was very unjust. So Gandhi started a nationwide protest called Satyagraha.

9. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

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

British officer General Dyer ordered soldiers to fire on the crowd.

Many innocent people were killed and injured.

This tragic event shocked the entire nation and increased anger against British rule.

Conclusion

• British policies created dissatisfaction.
• Congress spread awareness and unity.
• After World War I, common people joined the movement.
• Gandhi led peaceful struggles.
• Events like Jallianwala Bagh strengthened the freedom movement.