Second Phase and Suspension — Revision Notes

⚡ 30-Second Revision

Second Phase CDM (1932-34) began with Gandhi's arrest (Jan 1932) and severe British repression (Willingdon's ordinances). Key events: Communal Award (Aug 1932), Gandhi's fast, Poona Pact (Sep 1932) between Gandhi & Ambedkar (reserved seats, no separate electorates). Gandhi shifted to Individual Satyagraha and Harijan Campaign (Harijan Sevak Sangh). Movement suspended May 1934 due to repression, exhaustion, and strategic reorientation.

2-Minute Revision

The Second Phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1932-1934) commenced with Mahatma Gandhi's immediate arrest upon his return from the Second Round Table Conference in December 1931. Viceroy Lord Willingdon unleashed an 'iron hand' policy, promulgating draconian ordinances and conducting mass arrests, effectively crushing large-scale public participation.

A pivotal moment was the Communal Award (August 1932), which proposed separate electorates for Dalits. Gandhi's 'fast unto death' against this led to the Poona Pact (September 1932) with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, replacing separate electorates with reserved seats within joint electorates, preserving Hindu unity.

Post-Pact, Gandhi shifted focus to the Harijan campaign, dedicating himself to eradicating untouchability and social reform. This, coupled with severe repression and waning public enthusiasm, led to the formal suspension of the CDM in May 1934.

This phase marked a strategic evolution, emphasizing individual resistance and constructive work over mass agitation.

5-Minute Revision

The Second Phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), from late 1931 to May 1934, was a period of intense struggle and strategic adaptation. Following the failure of the Second Round Table Conference, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in December 1931, only to be arrested on January 4, 1932.

The British government, under Viceroy Lord Willingdon, adopted an 'iron hand' policy, immediately implementing a series of emergency ordinances that suspended civil liberties, banned Congress organizations, and led to over 100,000 arrests.

This severe repression significantly curtailed mass participation, forcing Gandhi to adapt his strategy towards 'Individual Satyagraha' to keep the spirit of resistance alive through moral defiance.

A critical development was the Communal Award in August 1932, which proposed separate electorates for various minorities, including the Depressed Classes (Dalits). Gandhi viewed this as a divisive tactic and began a 'fast unto death' in September 1932.

This led to the historic Poona Pact, negotiated between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which abolished separate electorates for Dalits but reserved a higher number of seats for them within joint electorates.

This pact was a significant step towards both national unity and Dalit political representation.

Post-Poona Pact, Gandhi redirected his energy towards the 'Harijan campaign,' focusing on the eradication of untouchability and the upliftment of Dalits. He founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh and published the 'Harijan' journal, undertaking extensive tours for social reform.

This shift, while morally profound, meant that direct political agitation took a backseat. Coupled with the relentless government repression and the exhaustion of the nationalist cadres, the movement's momentum waned.

Internal debates within Congress regarding future strategies also emerged. Consequently, Gandhi formally suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement in May 1934, advising Congressmen to focus on constructive programs, marking the end of this challenging phase and paving the way for new political strategies.

Prelims Revision Notes

Key Dates & Events:

Dec 1931: — Gandhi returns from 2nd RTTC.
Jan 4, 1932: — Gandhi arrested; 'iron hand' policy begins (Viceroy Willingdon).
Jan 1932: — Emergency Powers Ordinance & other draconian laws promulgated.
Aug 1932: — Communal Award announced (PM Ramsay MacDonald) – proposed separate electorates for Dalits.
Sep 20, 1932: — Gandhi begins 'fast unto death' in Yerawada Jail against Communal Award.
Sep 24, 1932: — Poona Pact signed (Gandhi & Ambedkar) – abolished separate electorates, reserved 148 seats for Dalits in provincial legislatures.
1932: — Harijan Sevak Sangh founded by Gandhi.
1933: — 'Harijan' weekly journal launched by Gandhi; Gandhi undertakes Harijan tours.
May 1933: — Gandhi temporarily suspends CDM after 21-day fast.
May 1934: — CDM formally suspended.

Key Concepts:

Individual Satyagraha: — Gandhi's strategy to sustain resistance when mass movement was impossible.
Poona Pact: — Crucial agreement on Dalit representation, preventing communal division.
Harijan Campaign: — Gandhi's focus on social reform and eradication of untouchability.
Ordinances: — British emergency laws used to suppress the movement.

Key Figures:

Mahatma Gandhi: — Leader, strategist, fasted for Poona Pact.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: — Dalit leader, co-signatory of Poona Pact.
Lord Willingdon: — Viceroy, implemented 'iron hand' policy.
C. Rajagopalachari: — Key mediator in Poona Pact negotiations.

Mains Revision Notes

Analytical Framework for Second Phase CDM (1932-34):

1. Context & Genesis:

Failure of 2nd RTTC, Gandhi's disillusionment.
British government's shift to aggressive suppression (Willingdon's 'iron hand').
Revival of CDM by CWC, immediate arrests of leaders.

2. Nature of Government Repression:

Unprecedented severity: Draconian ordinances (Emergency Powers Ordinance), mass arrests (>100,000), banning of Congress, property confiscation, press censorship.
Aim: To decapitate the movement and prevent mass mobilization.

3. Gandhi's Strategic Evolution:

Individual Satyagraha: — Shift from mass action to individual moral defiance due to repression. Aim: sustain resistance, maintain moral purity, avoid violence.
Poona Pact (Sep 1932):

* Background: Communal Award (Aug 1932) proposing separate electorates for Dalits. * Gandhi's Fast: Against communal division, for Hindu unity. * Terms: Abolished separate electorates, reserved 148 seats for Dalits in provincial legislatures (increased from 71). * Implications: Preserved Hindu unity, enhanced Dalit representation, asserted Gandhi's moral authority, shaped future Dalit politics.

Harijan Campaign: — Post-Pact focus on social reform, eradication of untouchability. Founded Harijan Sevak Sangh, launched 'Harijan' journal, nationwide tours. Demonstrated holistic vision of Swaraj.

4. Reasons for Suspension (May 1934):

Exhaustion & Waning Enthusiasm: — Due to prolonged struggle and severe repression.
Government's Success: — 'Iron hand' effectively crushed mass movement.
Gandhi's Strategic Shift: — Focus on Harijan work and constructive program.
Internal Debates: — Within Congress (e.g., council entry vs. constructive work, rise of CSP).

5. Significance & Legacy:

Demonstrated adaptability of Gandhian strategy.
Integrated social justice (Harijan upliftment) into nationalist mainstream.
Poona Pact's lasting impact on political representation and caste dynamics.
Lessons learned for future movements (e.g., Quit India's individual satyagraha component).
Strengthened Congress's moral base and prepared for future struggles through constructive work.

Vyyuha Quick Recall

Vyyuha Quick Recall: Remember the Second Phase and Suspension of CDM with the mnemonic PIGS:

Poona Pact: Key event (Sep 1932) between Gandhi and Ambedkar, addressing Dalit representation and preventing communal division.
Individual Satyagraha: Gandhi's strategic shift from mass action to individual moral defiance to sustain resistance under severe repression.
Government Repression Intensifies: Viceroy Willingdon's 'iron hand' policy, immediate arrests of leaders, draconian ordinances, and widespread suppression.
Suspension Decision: Formal withdrawal of the movement in May 1934 due to exhaustion, repression, and Gandhi's focus on constructive work and the Harijan campaign.