Home Rule Movement (1916)

In the Indian struggle for freedom, there is also an important phase, which is the Home Rule Movement. The Home Rule Movement was a nationalist movement during 1916–1918. The main aim of the Home Rule movement is self-government for India within the British Raj, which is also called swaraj. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant both led the Home rule movement and they was inspired by Irish Home Rule movement

Factors that Led to the War

People get anger and hatred for the Britishers due to high tax and price which got a push to start any movement or protest.
Indian force by the Britishers to join army , this also lead to protests and unrest.
The struggles of World War I created a new political climate in India. It fueled many Indian for changes.

Objectives of Home Rule Movement:

Demand for Self-Governance (Swaraj).
Mobilisation of the Masses
Pressure on the British Government.
Uniting Moderates and Extremists in the Freedom Struggle.
Laying the Foundation for Future Movements.

Significance of the Home Rule Movement

Strengthened the Demand for Self-Governance (Swaraj).
Political Awakening Among the Masses
Forced the British to Make Reforms.
Reunited Moderates and Extremists in Indian Politics
Laid the Foundation for Future Movements
Increased Participation of Women in Politics
Rise of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant as National Leaders

Decline of the Home Rule Movement

In 1917 Annie Besant arrested by Britishers which unable to provide firm leadership to her followers because she herself was divided.
In 1918 Tilak left for England due to legal case due to The movement began to crumble .
Lacked of structured organization.
Gandhi’ mass civil disobedience (Satyagraha) became more popular than hame rule movement which shifting focus towards Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).

Conclusion

The home rule movement is quite influential led by the leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant . The movement is about to achieve self-governance and empowerment for the Indian people. It also marked struggle for India’s independence from British colonial rule.