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Second World War, Quit India, the INA and independence (1935 to 1947) sheet
6-mark answer frame

Describe the Quit India Movement of 1942 and explain its importance for India's freedom.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

  1. 1 · Open in one line. The Quit India Movement of 1942 was Gandhi's final mass call to the British to leave India.
  2. 2 · Causes. The failure of the Cripps Mission, wartime shortages and unemployment, and fear that the British presence would draw a Japanese attack.
  3. 3 · The resolution. Passed at Wardha on 14 July and at Bombay on 8 August 1942; Gandhi gave the mantra Do or Die.
  4. 4 · Repression. All main leaders were arrested before dawn on 9 August, the Congress was banned and the press censored.
  5. 5 · The people's revolt. Hartals and processions spread; people burnt government buildings and cut rail and telegraph lines; Ballia, Midnapore and Satara saw serious revolt.
  6. 6 · Importance. It showed the depth of national feeling and people's capacity for sacrifice, so independence was no longer a matter of bargain.
  7. 7 · Close in one line. Quit India paved the way for freedom in 1947.

Scoring tip: Give the dates 8 and 9 August 1942 and the words Do or Die; then one point each on causes, events and importance.