What were the main reasons behind Mahatma Gandhi's decision to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Mahatma Gandhi's decision to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement was driven by several main reasons. Firstly, one of the key factors was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar, resulting in the death of hundreds of Indians. This brutal incident deeply affected Gandhi and fueled his determination to challenge British rule.

Secondly, Gandhi was also motivated by the Khilafat Movement, which aimed to protect the rights and interests of Muslims in India and support the restoration of the Ottoman Caliphate. Gandhi saw this as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common cause against British imperialism.

Furthermore, the economic hardships faced by Indians, particularly the peasants and farmers, played a significant role in Gandhi's decision. The British policies of heavy taxation, land revenue, and the exploitation of local industries had led to widespread poverty and distress among the Indian population. Gandhi believed that non-cooperation with the British administration would expose the injustices and force them to address the economic grievances of the people.

Additionally, Gandhi was influenced by the success of nonviolent resistance movements in other parts of the world, such as the Irish struggle for independence and the civil rights movement in South Africa. He believed that nonviolent resistance could be a powerful tool to challenge British authority and achieve independence for India.

Lastly, Gandhi's decision to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement was also driven by his belief in the power of self-reliance and self-governance. He advocated for the revival of indigenous industries, promotion of khadi (hand-spun cloth), and the boycott of British goods as a means to promote economic independence and self-sufficiency.

In summary, the main reasons behind Mahatma Gandhi's decision to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement were the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Khilafat Movement, economic hardships faced by Indians, inspiration from successful nonviolent resistance movements, and the belief in self-reliance and self-governance.