Extremist Phase

The failure of the moderate leaders resulted in the extremist phase in the Indian National Congress. The partition of Bengal in 1905 opened the eyes of the Indians to the true colours of the British rulers. Lord Curzon and his disdain for anything Indian also created resentment and anger against the foreigners. There was a fear among some leaders that the moderates with their westernized notions were trying to create an India in the image of the West. There was a revival of national pride at that time. The Delhi Durbar held in 1903 when people had not fully recovered from the horrific effects of the famine that killed lakhs of people drew widespread condemnation. Events happening around the world also inspired the extremist leaders. Abyssinia’s successful repulsion of the Italian army in 1896 and Japan’s defeat of Russia in 1905 shattered the notion of European invincibility

Moderate Phase

Aims and demands of the moderates

• Education of the masses and organising public opinion, make people aware of their rights.
• Indian representation in the Executive Council and in the Indian Council in London.
• Reform of the legislative councils.
• Separation of the executive from the judiciary.
• Decreased land revenue tax and ending peasant oppression.
• After 1892, raised the slogan, “No taxation without representation.”
• Reduced spending on the army.
• Abolishing salt tax and duty on sugar.
• Holding the ICS exam in India along with England to allow more Indians the opportunity to take part in the administration.
• Freedom of speech and expression.
• Freedom to form associations.
• Development of modern capitalist industries in India.
• End of economic drain of India by the British.
• Repealing the Arms Act of 1878.