Amritsar Massacre

Definition

The Amritsar Massacre, also known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, occurred on April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on a large gathering of Indian civilians who were protesting against British colonial rule in Amritsar, Punjab. This tragic event highlighted the brutal nature of British imperialism and played a crucial role in galvanizing the Indian independence movement by increasing anti-British sentiments among the Indian population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Amritsar Massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of unarmed civilians, with estimates ranging from 379 to over a thousand wounded or killed during the incident.
2. General Reginald Dyer was the British officer responsible for the massacre, and he later defended his actions as necessary to restore order, which sparked outrage both in India and Britain.
3. The massacre prompted widespread protests and led to a national outcry, significantly increasing support for the Indian independence movement across various social classes.
4. The Jallianwala Bagh, where the massacre took place, became a symbol of British oppression and is now commemorated as a site of remembrance for those who lost their lives.
5. In response to the massacre, many Indians turned away from moderate approaches to resistance and began to support more radical forms of protest against British rule.

Review Questions

• How did the Rowlatt Act contribute to the events leading up to the Amritsar Massacre?
  • The Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to suppress dissent and arrest individuals without trial, creating an atmosphere of fear and resentment among Indians. The act incited widespread protests, particularly in Punjab, where large gatherings were organized to express opposition. The tensions from this unrest directly contributed to the mass gathering at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, where the subsequent massacre occurred.
• Discuss the impact of the Amritsar Massacre on Mahatma Gandhi's approach to the Indian independence movement.
  • The Amritsar Massacre had a profound effect on Mahatma Gandhi's strategies within the independence movement. It intensified his resolve to lead nonviolent protests against British rule and galvanized support for civil disobedience. Gandhi used the tragedy to rally Indians from all backgrounds to unite against colonial oppression, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resistance while highlighting the brutality faced by Indian citizens.
• Evaluate how the Amritsar Massacre transformed public perception of British colonial rule in India and its implications for future movements toward independence.
  • The Amritsar Massacre significantly shifted public perception of British colonial rule by exposing its violent and oppressive nature. As details of the massacre spread throughout India and internationally, it evoked outrage that united people across different social and political backgrounds against British imperialism. This event marked a turning point where many Indians began to embrace more radical methods of resistance, ultimately paving the way for broader support of movements like Quit India and escalating demands for full independence from British rule.

Related terms

Rowlatt Act: A repressive law enacted by the British in 1919 that allowed for the arrest and detention of Indians without trial, leading to widespread protests and discontent.

Mahatma Gandhi:

A key leader in the Indian independence movement known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule.

Indian National Congress:

A political party founded in 1885 that became the principal organization advocating for Indian self-rule and independence from British colonialism.