The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Revolution, was the last and most intense mass movement launched by the Congress under Mahatma Gandhi during India’s freedom struggle. It was a direct call for the end of British rule in India.
Background
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Failure of the Cripps Mission (1942) to provide real constitutional concessions.
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Growing discontent over British exploitation and the severe impact of the Second World War on India.
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The threat of Japanese invasion of India after their victories in Southeast Asia.
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Rising nationalist sentiment and impatience among Indians for immediate independence.
Launch of the Movement
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On 8th August 1942, at the Bombay session of the Congress, Gandhi gave the historic call: “Do or Die.”
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Congress demanded complete and immediate withdrawal of British rule from India.
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Within hours of the resolution, Gandhi, Nehru, and all major Congress leaders were arrested.
Course of the Movement
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With leaders jailed, the movement spread spontaneously across India.
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Mass protests, strikes, demonstrations, boycotts of schools, colleges, offices, and transport took place.
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Violent outbursts occurred in some regions:
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Attacks on government buildings, police stations, railways, and telegraph lines.
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Parallel governments set up in places like Ballia (U.P.), Tamluk (Bengal), and Satara (Maharashtra).
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The British responded with brutal repression — shootings, mass arrests, and lathi charges.
Impact
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Though the movement was suppressed by mid-1944, it showed the resolve of Indians to accept nothing less than complete independence.
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British repression revealed the fragility of colonial rule and deepened international criticism.
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Strengthened the position of Congress as the representative of Indian nationalism, while the Muslim League used the opportunity to expand its base.
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Marked the final phase of India’s struggle, making British rule untenable after the war.
Key Takeaway
The Quit India Movement (1942) was the decisive turning point in the freedom struggle. Despite its suppression, it proved that Indians would settle for nothing short of complete independence, and it hastened the British decision to quit India in 1947.