Notes on National Interest Lecture by E. P. I. E. V. Singh Rajpoot
Introduction
Start with basic introduction of the chapter on National Interest for Class 10 History.
The chapter holds significant importance, carrying 10 marks in exams.
Aiming to understand overall picture and key themes of the chapter, divided into key topics.
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Concept of Nationalism
Definition of Nationalism: The feeling of love for one’s country.
European context of Nationalism: Late 1800s rise in different European nations due to various socio-political changes.
France's example: National anthem and collective effort to overthrow monarchy.
Nation-State Formation
What is a Nation-State? A unified community with common language, culture, or currency.
Importance of Nation-State: Connects people, leading to formation of collective identity.
Historical Examples: France, Germany, Italy — people united under common cause.
Changes in Understanding of Identity and Belonging
Shift in people’s perspectives about their identity pre and post nation-state formation.
Example of India: Diversity across regions and yet the formation of a unified concept of nation-state.
Post-colonial struggle and identity challenges in India: Reflecting on the unity and struggles against British rule.
Anti-Colonial Movement in India
Nationalism in colonial countries was tied with anti-colonial sentiments.
Collective movements in different regions (Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China) aimed at ending colonial rule, similar to India.
India: Diverse linguistic, cultural, and regional identities uniting against British colonial administration.
Prominent Leaders and Movements: Discussion on key figures and their roles in unifying different groups.
Gandhi’s Return and the Idea of Satyagraha
Gandhi’s Return: January 1954, returned from South Africa with the concept of Satyagraha (power of truth and non-violence).
Satyagraha principles: Non-violent protest against injustice, truth as a powerful tool.
Gandhi’s successful application of Satyagraha in South Africa against racism.
Satyagraha in India
Application in India following his return:
Champaran, Bihar: Peasant’s agitation against oppressive plantation systems (1917).
Kheda, Gujarat: Peasant’s movement against revenue policies during famine (1918).
Ahmedabad Mill Strike: Major labor strike for fair wages (1918).
Nationwide Impact: Expanded the concept of Satyagraha to a broader scale, influencing larger political and social dynamics.
Rowlatt Act and Its Aftermath
Introduction of Rowlatt Act (1919): Empowered British authorities to detain political prisoners without trial.
Gandhi’s Response: Launch of Rowlatt Satyagraha, non-violent protest against the Act.
Escalation of Protest: Led to violent clashes, notable incidents including Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919).
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Background: Peaceful gathering turned violent due to General Dyer’s order to open fire on the crowd.
Immediate and long-term impact: Massive loss of lives, increased anti-British sentiments.
Ensuing Unrest: Nationwide turmoil, further consolidation of nationalist movements against colonial oppression.
Post-Jallianwala Bagh Developments
British repression in response to growing unrest and nationalist activities.
Non-Cooperation Movement: Initiated as a response to the massacre; boycotting British goods, institutions, and services.
Opposition within Congress and intellectual debates regarding participation in elections.
Simon Commission (1928)
Formation to discuss constitutional reforms in India, but lacked Indian representation leading to widespread protests under the slogan “Simon Go Back.”
British response to protests: Viceroy Lord Irwin’s offer of Dominion Status and Round Table Conferences.
Demand for Complete Swaraj (1930)
Lahore Congress Session (1929) under Nehru’s presidency: Declaration of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) and Indian National Congress’ resolution to celebrate January 26, 1930, as Independence Day.
Shift from Dominion Status to full independence.
Civil Disobedience Movement and Salt March (1930)
Initiated by Gandhi: Symbolic breaking of salt law by making salt at Dandi, signaling mass civil disobedience against British laws.
Expansion: Nationwide demonstrations, refusal to pay taxes, boycotting goods, and institutions.
Response from British: Arrest of leaders, violent suppression, increasing nationalist fervor among masses.
Second Round Table Conference and Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
Outcomes: Gandhi’s participation, eventual disillusionment due to unmet expectations, British bureaucracy's resistance.
Pact’s terms and impact: Temporary withdrawal of Civil Disobedience Movement, release of political prisoners.
Relaunch of Civil Disobedience Movement
Renewed Repression: British reaction against nationalist activities post-Gandhi’s return from the conference.
Outcome: Gradual decline in active participation due to persistent state repression and strategic withdrawals by Congress.
Disappointment and strategic re-evaluation among nationalists.
Quit India Movement (1942)
Reason: Failure of Cripps Mission and British reluctance to grant immediate independence, coupled with WWII pressures.