Main Objectives of Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

Introduction

The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was one of the most significant phases of India’s struggle for independence. This movement was a response to British colonial rule’s oppressive policies and aimed at achieving Swaraj (self-rule) through nonviolent resistance.

The movement was marked by the famous Dandi March, where Gandhi and his followers walked 240 miles to produce salt illegally, defying British laws. However, the movement was not just about breaking the salt laws—it had broader political, economic, and social objectives that laid the foundation for India’s eventual independence.

This article explores the main objectives of the Civil Disobedience Movement, its impact on India’s freedom struggle, and its long-term consequences.

Background: Why Was the Civil Disobedience Movement Launched?

Before diving into the objectives, it is essential to understand the context in which this movement was launched:

1. Failure of the Simon Commission (1927)
   
   
   • The British government appointed the Simon Commission to review constitutional reforms in India, but it did not include a single Indian member.
     
     
   • Indians protested against it with the slogan “Simon Go Back!”, leading to widespread unrest.
     
     
2. Demand for Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence) (1929)
   
   
   • In the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929), under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, the demand for complete independence (Poorna Swaraj) was officially adopted.
     
     
   • The Congress decided to launch a movement to achieve full independence.
     
     
3. Oppressive British Policies
   
   
   • High taxes, unjust economic policies, and restrictions on salt production affected Indians, particularly peasants and the working class.
     
     
   • The Salt Act of 1882 made it illegal for Indians to produce or sell salt, despite it being a basic necessity.
     
     
4. Failure of Previous Negotiations
   
   
   • Gandhi submitted the 11-point demands to the British government, asking for tax reductions, civil liberties, and an end to oppressive laws.
     
     
   • When the British refused to meet these demands, Gandhi initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Main Objectives of the Civil Disobedience Movement

The Civil Disobedience Movement had multiple objectives, targeting political, economic, and social injustices imposed by the British.

1. Attaining Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence)

• Unlike earlier movements that sought dominion status or partial reforms, the Civil Disobedience Movement demanded full independence.
  
  
• The British were unwilling to grant India even partial self-governance, and this movement aimed to pressurize them into recognizing India’s right to self-rule.

2. Defying the British Salt Laws

• The Salt Act was symbolic of British exploitation, as it restricted Indians from making their own salt.
  
  
• Gandhi’s Dandi March (Salt March) from March 12 to April 6, 1930, was a direct challenge to this unjust law.
  
  
• By making salt at Dandi, Gandhi inspired millions of Indians to break the law, leading to mass participation in the movement.

3. Boycotting British Goods and Services

• The movement aimed to reduce dependence on British goods by promoting Swadeshi (indigenous products).
  
  
• People were encouraged to:
  • Stop buying British textiles and clothes.
  • Boycott British liquor and institutions.
  • Burn foreign cloth as a protest.

4. Refusing to Pay Taxes and Revenue

• Farmers were burdened with heavy taxes, which they were forced to pay even during famines and economic crises.
  
  
• The movement encouraged farmers to refuse to pay land revenue and other British-imposed taxes as a sign of resistance.

5. Protesting Against the Repressive British Laws

• The movement opposed the unjust laws that curtailed freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
  
  
• Many leaders and common citizens participated in mass civil disobedience, courting arrest as a form of nonviolent protest.

6. Strengthening the Spirit of Nationalism and Mass Mobilization

• Gandhi’s nonviolent methods united people across different regions, castes, and religions.
  
  
• The movement saw unprecedented participation from women, students, and peasants, making it a mass movement rather than just a political campaign.

7. Promoting Indigenous Industries and Self-Sufficiency

• The movement emphasized economic independence by reviving Indian handicrafts, textiles, and small-scale industries.
  
  
• People were urged to wear khadi (hand-spun cloth) and reject British-manufactured goods.

8. Challenging British Monopoly Over Resources

• The British controlled major industries like salt production, textile mills, and transportation.
  
  
• The movement aimed to weaken British economic control over India by promoting self-reliance and boycotting British-controlled businesses.

9. Ending Untouchability and Promoting Social Reforms

• Gandhi linked the movement with social reforms, particularly the fight against untouchability.
  
  
• He encouraged the upliftment of Dalits (Harijans) and backward classes, making the freedom struggle inclusive.

Impact and Consequences of the Civil Disobedience Movement

Immediate Impact

✔ Mass arrests – Over 60,000 people, including Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel, were arrested.


✔ Spread of nationalist feelings – The movement inspired common people, even in rural areas, to resist British rule.


✔ British response – The British used violent suppression, lathi charges, and arrests to curb the movement.

Long-Term Consequences

1. Brought Indian independence closer – It created international awareness about British oppression in India.
   
   
2. Led to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) – Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement in return for the release of political prisoners and participation in the Round Table Conference.
   
   
3. Inspired future movements – The Quit India Movement (1942) and other independence movements drew inspiration from Civil Disobedience.

Comparison with Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)

Conclusion

The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) was not just a protest against the British Salt Act—it was a comprehensive movement that aimed to achieve complete independence, economic self-sufficiency, and social reforms. Gandhi’s nonviolent approach mobilized millions of Indians, making it one of the most influential movements in world history.

Although the movement did not immediately achieve Swaraj, it weakened British control, exposed colonial injustices, and laid the groundwork for India’s eventual independence in 1947. Today, it remains an inspiring example of peaceful resistance and mass mobilization in global freedom struggles.