The First World war exposed the falsehood of the claim of
superiority of the Europeans. The communist Revolution of 1917 in
Russia placed an inspiring ideal before the world. The
deteriorating economic condition of Indian during the war
intensified popular discontent.
In the wake of strong protests from all quarters and universal
opposition to the Act, Gandhi announced that he would resort to
Satyagraha. Gandhi gave a call to start the movement on 6th April
1919. The people were asked to observe Hartal, engage in fasting
and prayers and organise peaceful meetings, processions. The aim
was to get the withdrawal of the Rowlatt Act.
The hartal had passed off peacefully but the city and province
were set ablaze by the arrest and deportation of Dr. Satyapal and
Saifuddin Kitchlew, the two prominent leaders of Punjab on 10
April, 1919 to some unknown places.
