What was The Rowlatt Act?
- Rowlatt Act was an oppressive act Introduced by the British government in 1919.
- It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allow detention of political persons without trial for 2 years.
- The Rowlatt Act was passed Through the Imperial legislative council, But Indian members opposed the act.
The Rowlatt Act affected the national movement in the following ways
- Rallies were organized in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops and shops were closed down.
- Gandhiji decided to oppose this act with satyagraha. On 6 April 19, 1919 Gandhiji launched a nationwide satyagraha with a hartal.
- Several local leaders were arrested. Gandhiji was barred from entering Delhi.
- On 10th April 1919 a police in Amritsar opened fire on a peaceful procession.
- Martial law was imposed in umbrella and the command of the area was given to General Dyer
Also Check – The Rowlatt Satyagraha and its role in India’s Freedom Movement
