Chapter 11 Quit India| Class 12 History Notes

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Quit India discusses that the Quit India Movement was a civil disobedience movement launched in India in August 1942 in response to British rule.

The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC). The goal of the movement was to force the British to leave India and establish an independent Indian government.

The Quit India Movement was a significant event in Indian history. It was a major step towards Indian independence, and it helped to inspire other independence movements around the world.

In this article, we will look into the topic of Quit India in detail. It is an important topic in Class 12 History NCERT. Students can go through this article to get comprehensive notes on the topic Class 12 History Chapter 11 Quit India.

What is the Quit India Movement?

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti, was a civil disobedience movement launched in India in August 1942 in response to British rule. The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC). The goal of the movement was to achieve independence from British rule.

The Quit India Movement was a defining moment in the Indian independence struggle. It was the first time that a mass movement had been launched with the specific goal of achieving independence. The movement was also significant because it was a non-violent movement, based on the principles of satyagraha.

Background of the Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement was launched at a time when India was in the midst of World War II. The British government was hoping to secure Indian support for the war effort.

• However, the Indian people were disillusioned with British rule and were not willing to support the war.

• The failure of the Cripps Mission in 1942, which had been sent to India to negotiate a settlement with the INC, further increased the anger of the Indian people.

• The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942, at the Bombay session of the INC. Gandhi gave a speech in which he called for the British to “Quit India”.

• The movement was met with immediate repression by the British government. Gandhi and other leaders of the INC were arrested and the movement was banned.

• Despite the repression, the Quit India Movement continued for several months. There were widespread protests and demonstrations across India.

• The movement was particularly strong in rural areas, where peasants rebelled against the British government.

• The Quit India Movement was eventually suppressed by the British government. However, it had a significant impact on the Indian independence struggle.

• The movement showed the British that the Indian people were united in their desire for independence.

• It also helped to mobilize the Indian people and prepare them for the final struggle for independence, which was achieved in 1947.

“Quit India” Movement: Mahatma Gandhi’s Third Major Movement Against British Rule

Mahatma Gandhi launched the “Quit India” movement in August 1942, despite being jailed.

• Young activists organized strikes and sabotage across India, with socialist members of Congress like Jayaprakash Narayan active.
• “Independent” governments were proclaimed in districts like Satara and Medinipur.
• The British responded forcefully, but it took over a year to suppress the rebellion.
• The movement energized young Indians, leading to the expansion of the Muslim League in Punjab and Sind.
• Gandhiji was released from prison in June 1944 and held meetings with Jinnah to bridge the gap between Congress and the League.
• In 1945, a Labour government in Britain committed to granting India independence.

1946 Indian Political Polarization and Power Transfer

Fresh elections were held in 1946, with Congress winning the “General” category, but the League won seats reserved for Muslims.

• A Cabinet Mission failed to reach a federal system that would maintain India’s unity while granting provinces autonomy.

• Jinnah called for a “Direct Action Day” to press the League’s demand for Pakistan, leading to violent riots in Calcutta on 16 August 1946.

• Violence spread across rural Bengal, Bihar, the United Provinces, and Punjab, with Muslims and Hindus being the main victims.

• Lord Mountbatten replaced Wavell as Viceroy in February 1947, announcing the freeing of British India but also dividing it.

• The formal transfer of power was scheduled for 15 August, and celebrated with enthusiasm across India.

Conclusion – Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Quit India

Finally, Chapter 11 of Class 12 History, “Quit India,” gives a thorough analysis of one of the most important times in India’s war for independence. The chapter discusses the Quit India Movement of 1942, which was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.

The movement, which included large rallies, civil disobedience, and huge arrests, represented a dramatic escalation in the nationalist struggle against British colonial control. Despite experiencing amazing repression and imprisonment, Indians’ determination and sacrifice during the Quit India Movement contributed to the end of British colonialism in India.

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FAQs on Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 Quit India

What is the focus of Class 12 History Chapter 11?

The chapter focuses on the Quit India Movement of 1942, a significant event in India’s struggle for independence.

Who initiated the Quit India Movement?

The Quit India Movement was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.

What were the objectives of the Quit India Movement?

The movement aimed to demand an end to British colonial rule and the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India.

What methods were used during the Quit India Movement?

Protesters engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience, strikes, and demonstrations across the country.

How did the British respond to the Quit India Movement?

The British responded with harsh repression, arrests of leaders, and the use of military force to suppress the movement.

What was the impact of the Quit India Movement?

The movement intensified the demand for Indian independence and made the way for India’s eventual freedom from British rule.

How did the Quit India Movement contribute to India’s independence?

The movement increased national unity and international support, hastening the end of British colonialism in India.