Question

The Civil Disobedience Movement came to an end because of the ________.
a. Second Round Table Conference
b. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
c. Third Round Table Conference
d. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Civil disobedience refers to refusal of citizens of a country to abide by certain rules and regulations in an active manner. This movement was one of the turning points in India’s struggle for independence from British.

Complete Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was one of the crucial movements started by Mahatma Gandhi for India’s freedom struggle.
This movement was started as a means of attaining ‘Poorna Swaraj’ or complete independence from the British rule.
Mahatma Gandhi planned and started this movement by choosing to defy the salt tax imposed by the British as he thought that salt was one of the basic needs to sustain one’s life and imposing tax on it is a regressive act. Thus, ‘Dandi March’ was started on $12^{th} March, 1930$.
Similarly, other movements were started across the country to protest against various demands made by British and the government.
The British had to reconcile with the people and the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin reiterated the dominion status and asked to end the Civil Disobedience Movement.
So, now let’s look at all the options:
Option (a) Second Round Table Conference was organized in London in which Gandhi took part as a part of Gandhi-Irwin pact. The conference was a failure for the Congress as their question of India's freedom was not listened to. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option (b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed by Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India at that time i.e. $5^{th} March, 1931$. It was a reconciliation agreement in which the British agreed for participation of Gandhi as sole representative of Indian National Congress for the Second Round Table Conference to be held at London in return for stopping the Civil Disobedience Movement. So, this is the correct answer.
Option (c) Third Round Table Conference was held in London in 1932 whose aim was to present the white paper for passing of the Government of India Act, 1935. This conference was neither invited for nor attended by any Indian Congress party members. Hence, an incorrect option.
Option (d) None of the above is an incorrect answer as we have a correct answer present.
Hence, the correct answer is option ‘b. Gandhi-Irwin Pact’.

Note: The Civil Disobedience Movement was very much significant as it brought a sense of unity among Indians to fight for India’s freedom struggle. It did signify that British could not hold its rule for very long over India.