Here's a summary:
Background:
* World War I: India had supported Britain in the war, but this came at a high cost, with economic hardship and political repression.
* Rowlatt Acts: These controversial laws allowed the British government to arrest and detain suspected revolutionaries without trial. This sparked widespread protests and unrest.
* Satyagraha Movement: Mahatma Gandhi launched a non-violent campaign of civil disobedience against the Rowlatt Acts, leading to mass arrests and further escalation of tensions.
The Event:
* Peaceful Gathering: A large crowd, mostly unarmed civilians, had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, a public park, for a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Acts.
* Military Response: Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, a British military officer, ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd without warning.
* Casualties: The indiscriminate firing continued for several minutes, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, estimated to be between 379 and 1,000 people. Many were trampled in the chaos while trying to escape the enclosed park.
Aftermath:
* Public Outrage: The Amritsar Massacre sparked outrage across India and the world. It became a symbol of British brutality and fueled the Indian independence movement.
* International Condemnation: The massacre was condemned by prominent figures like Rabindranath Tagore, who renounced his knighthood in protest.
* Hunter Commission: A British commission of inquiry was set up, which condemned Dyer's actions but did not punish him severely.
* Legacy: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains a painful reminder of British colonial oppression and is commemorated annually in India. It has had a lasting impact on India's political and social landscape.
Important points to note:
* The exact number of casualties is disputed, with estimates ranging from hundreds to over a thousand.
* The massacre was a clear violation of human rights and is widely recognized as a tragedy.
* The event continues to be a source of debate and controversy, highlighting the complex history of British colonialism in India.
It's crucial to learn about the Amritsar Massacre, not only to understand its historical significance but also to learn from the past and advocate for peace and justice.