1. Aim: Trace Nationalist Activity in India

2. Indian Nationalism Grows
End of WWI broke up the Ottomans
Weakening of these empires stirred nationalist activity in India
Indian nationalism had been growing since the mid 1800’s
2 groups formed to rid India of foreign rule
1) Hindu Indian National Congress or Congress Party (1885)
2) Muslim League (1906)
These 2 groups both worked toward the goal of independence from the British 2

3. World War I Increases Nationalist Activity
Millions of Indians enlisted in the British army
In return, the British government promised reforms that would eventually lead to self-government
1918: They expected Britain to fulfill its promise
Instead treated as second class citizens
1919: To curb dissent, British passed the Rowlatt Acts
Laws allowed govnt to jail protesters w/o trial for as long as 2 years 3

4. Amritsar Massacre
To protest the Rowlatt Acts, 10,000 Hindus and Muslims flocked to Amritsar
1919: Intended to fast & pray & to listen to political speeches
Demonstration alarmed the British
British commander at Amritsar ordered his troops to fire on the crowd w/o warning
400 Indians died & 1,200 were wounded
Slaughter called Amritsar Massacre
Sparked an explosion of anger across India 4