Nationalist Movements in India (1919–1939) and Their Place in Global History
Between 1919 and 1939, nationalist movements across Asia and the Middle East grew stronger
as people demanded freedom from colonial rule. One of the most important examples was the
movement for independence in India. Led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National
Congress, the Indian nationalist movement during this time went through several stages and used
strategies that made it different from earlier nationalist movements, especially those in nineteenth
century Europe.
The Indian nationalist movement started to change significantly after the Amritsar Massacre in
1919, where British troops killed hundreds of peaceful Indian protestors. This event shocked the
country and made many Indians realize that peaceful petitions and cooperation with the British
government were not working. Instead, more people began to support stronger action, including
nonviolent resistance. This period saw the rise of Gandhi’s leadership, which would define the
movement for the next two decades (Chandra et al., 1989).
Gandhi’s approach was different from other political leaders of the time. He believed in
nonviolent protest, also known as satyagraha, and in organizing mass movements that included
people from all parts of Indian society, men and women, rich and poor, city dwellers and farmers.
A major turning point was the Salt March in 1930, when Gandhi led a 240-mile walk to the sea
to protest British salt taxes. This act became a symbol of peaceful resistance and inspired
thousands of Indians to join the movement (Brown, 1972). A famous photograph of the Salt
March shows Gandhi walking with supporters, holding a stick and wearing simple clothes,
representing not just protest, but unity and strength through simplicity. Even today we have
peaceful protests such as the immigration riots in California right now and a lot of inspiration
comes from what we learned from Gandhi.
Unlike the revolutions in nineteenth century Europe, which were often driven by armies or
political elites, India’s movement during this time relied on ordinary people and peaceful acts. In
Europe, nationalist movements like the unification of Germany or Italy were often violent,
involved wars, and aimed to strengthen a king or create a stronger state. For example, leaders
like Otto von Bismarck in Germany used war to bring different regions together under one
government. Indian nationalism in this period aimed to remove foreign control and give people
more voice and dignity. It was not just about land or government, it was about freedom from
colonial rule and respect for Indian identity and culture (Chandra et al., 1989).
Two scholarly sources that support this view are Judith Brown’s book Gandhi’s Rise to Power
and Bipan Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence. Brown (1972) explains how Gandhi’s
leadership changed Indian politics by focusing on moral authority rather than power or violence.
Chandra and his co-authors (1989) offer detailed examples of how Indians from many different
backgrounds became involved in the movement, showing how it was truly national in scope.
In conclusion, the nationalist movement in India between 1919 and 1939 went through important
stages, from shock and grief after British violence to a united, peaceful struggle for
independence. Gandhi’s leadership made the movement unique, especially when compared to
earlier European nationalist movements that were often violent and state focused. India’s
experience shows how nationalism could grow not through war, but through peaceful resistance,
public unity, and the power of moral leadership. This marked a major change in the nature and
goals of nationalist movements around the world.
References
Brown, J. M. (1972). Gandhi’s rise to power: Indian politics 1915–1922. Cambridge University
Press.
Chandra, B., Mukherjee, M., Mukherjee, A., Panikkar, K. N., & Mahajan, S. (1989). India’s
struggle for independence. Penguin Books.
