To what extent was the Amritsar Massacre the most significant factor in the development of Indian nationalism between 1919 and 1935?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the Amritsar Massacre was the most significant factor in the development of Indian nationalism between 1919 and 1935. Factors may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may consider the extent to which the Amritsar Massacre and the British responses that followed caused widespread anger, leading many moderate Indians to abandon their loyalty to the British and embrace Indian nationalism. They may argue that this resulted in Gandhi’s full commitment to achieving independence from Britain, culminating in the Non-cooperation movement of 1920–22. Other relevant factors may be considered, for example the impacts of the First World War, the Government Act of India (1919), the Simon Commission(1928), as well as the contributions of the Round Table Conferences (1930–1932), but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

There were many responses to this question. Candidates were required to consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the Amritsar Massacre was the most significant factor in the development of Indian nationalism. For the most part, candidates answered this question effectively and responses demonstrated a good understanding of the Indian nationalism campaign. However, most candidates needed to engage more with the concept of the significance of the Amritsar Massacre.