What is the Difference Between Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience?

The Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement were both significant phases in the Indian freedom struggle, but they differed in several aspects:

1. Goal: The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed for complete independence, while the Non-Cooperation Movement sought to address specific wrongs and achieve swaraj (self-rule).
2. Methods: The Civil Disobedience Movement involved the violation of laws from the beginning, whereas the Non-Cooperation Movement focused on non-cooperation with foreign rules, such as boycotting British institutions and goods.
3. Protests and Intelligentsia: The Civil Disobedience Movement witnessed a decrease in protests by the intelligentsia, such as lawyers quitting their practices and students leaving government schools. These actions were more prominent during the Non-Cooperation Movement.
4. Muslim Participation: Muslim participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement was relatively lower compared to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
5. Geographical Coverage and Mass Participation: The Civil Disobedience Movement saw widespread geographical coverage and mass participation in comparison to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
6. Organizational Structure: The Congress had a better organizational structure during the Civil Disobedience Movement, allowing for better coordination and management of the movement.

In summary, the main differences between the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement lie in their goals, methods, participation of the intelligentsia and Muslims, geographical coverage, and organizational structure. Both movements were crucial in the Indian freedom struggle and were led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Comparative Table: Non-Cooperation vs Civil Disobedience

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement:

Both movements were significant in the struggle for Indian independence and were led by Mahatma Gandhi. However, they differed in their nature, intensity of public involvement, and demands.