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Key developments, 1927 to 39

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Between 1927 and 1939, protest and negotiation went hand in hand. The Salt March became one of the most famous protests in history.

The Simon Commission and the Salt March

The Simon Commission (1927) came to review India's government but had no Indian members. It was boycotted with protests of "Simon go back".
In 1930 Gandhi led the Salt March to the sea at Dandi, about 240 miles, to make salt illegally, breaking the British salt tax. Civil disobedience spread; tens of thousands were arrested.

The Round Table Conferences, 1930 to 32

Three conferences in London discussed India's future.
Congress boycotted the first. After the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), Gandhi attended the second, but it failed over how minorities would be represented.

The 1935 Act and the 1937 elections

The Government of India Act (1935) gave the provinces self-government and planned a federation with the princely states.
In the 1937 elections, Congress won most provinces. The Muslim League did poorly, but Jinnah used Congress rule to argue that Muslims needed protection, and the League grew.
Worked example

Explain why the Salt March was so effective.

  1. Salt was needed by everyone, so the salt tax affected rich and poor.
  2. Gandhi's simple, peaceful act was easy for millions to copy.
  3. World press coverage and mass arrests embarrassed the British.

Answer: It was a simple, peaceful protest on an issue that affected everyone, and it drew world attention.

Key idea

Simon Commission (1927) had no Indians and was boycotted. Salt March (1930) launched mass civil disobedience. Round Table Conferences (1930 to 32) failed. The 1935 Act gave provincial self-government; Congress won the 1937 elections, and the Muslim League then grew under Jinnah.

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