The Civil Disobedience Movement began in 1930 under Mahatma Gandhi against British salt laws, marking a mass phase of India’s freedom struggle through non-violent resistance and nationwide protests.

BulletsIn:

• Movement formally launched on April 6, 1930 after Dandi March, where Gandhi broke salt law challenging British monopoly on essential commodity
• Dandi March started March 12, 1930 from Ahmedabad with 78 followers, covering around 240 miles to coastal village Dandi
• Background included rejection of Dominion status, demand for complete independence and Lahore Session 1929 adopting Purna Swaraj resolution
• Gandhi’s eleven demands included tax reduction, abolition of salt tax, release of political prisoners and reforms in administration
• Protest methods included salt law violation, boycott of foreign goods, refusal to pay taxes, resignation from government jobs and peaceful demonstrations
• Movement saw mass participation from peasants, women, students and urban groups, expanding social base of freedom struggle significantly
• British responded with arrests of leaders and repression, yet movement strengthened nationalist sentiment and weakened colonial authority