History

During WW1, the British government enacted an emergency law which made it illegal to promote the idea of an independent Indian nation. The British claimed that this was done to ensure a victory in the World War. The new law allowed the British to imprison anyone on suspicion alone without trail. They could also restrict freedom of speech, writing and movement. It was promised to stand for as long as the war. However, in 1919 the British government decided to extend the law indefinitely. This was known as the Rowlatt act. Over 1.2 million Indians fought for the British in the First World War but they were unable to talk publicly about independence. Amritsar massacre The following month, a large crowd gathered to peaceful protest the law. This was precisely what the law made illegal. Therefore, two British regiments closed in and stayed true to the warnings that were issued. They opened fire on the crowd, continuing while the civilians ran for their lives. About a thousand