Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress, resulting in the emergence of 'moderates' and 'extremists'?
Important Points to Remember in Chapter -1 - Growth of Extremism or Militant Nationalism from Unique Academic Board History of India Solutions
Growth of Extremism or Militant Nationalism
1. The late 19th century and the early 20th century saw the rise of a new breed of freedom fighters.
2. They were aggressive and not averse to using violence against the colonial power.
3. The earlier methods of moderate leaders did not appeal to them. They were against declaring loyalty to the crown in exchange for piecemeal reforms.
4. The reasons for rise of Extremism or Militant Nationalism are:
(i) The knowledge of the economic, social, and political destruction caused by the colonial rule like the economic drain theory, actual devastation caused by wars in neighbouring regions.
(ii) Dissatisfaction with the token reforms that did not cause any real change in the way the British treated India.
(iii) Increase in education improved the awareness of the masses.
(iv) Improved education led to increased self-respect. The new generation of leaders were not willing to be satisfied with nominal reforms.
(v) Frequent famines and general poverty of the toiling masses also fuelled the rise in extremism.
(vi) Knowledge of international developments like Italy’s defeat at the hands of Ethiopia, setback for the British in the Boer wars etc., destroyed the myth of European invincibility.
(v) The press spread the ideals of revolution, justice and resistance and it was consumed by a young, educated populace.
5. Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal) were prominent extremist leaders. Other leaders included Aurobindo Ghosh, Rajnarayan Bose, A K Dutt, V O C Pillai.
6. The British government violently subjugated the extremist leaders.
7. Multiple legislations were passed to stifle free speech and free assembly. There was a heavy clampdown of the press.
8. Tilak was sentenced and sent to prison in Mandalay(Burma).
9. Overall, extremists sparked a new sense of vigour and energy in the national movement.
