What was the Quit India Movement?

 The Quit India Movement was a civil disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8th August 1942, at the Bombay Session of the All India Congress Committee.

A resolution was passed demanding an immediate end to the British rule. A mass non-violent struggle was organized on the widest scale possible. Gandhiji’s slogan of ‘Do or Die’ inspired millions of Indians, and strengthened their determination to die rather than give up the goal of freedom. The British response to the movement was quick. The Congress was banned, and most of its leaders were arrested before they could start mobilizing the people.

The people, however, were unstoppable. They attacked all symbols of the British government such as railway stations, law courts, and police stations. Railway lines were damaged, and telegraph lines were cut. In some places, people even formed alternative governments. The British responded with terrible brutality.

 However, though they could oppress the people, they could not suppress the people’s demand that foreign rulers should quit India.