Explanation

The Non-Cooperation Movement was formally launched on 1 August 1920, following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and grievances arising from the Khilafat issue. It represented a historic shift in India’s freedom struggle — from moderate petitioning to mass-based peaceful resistance.

Statement I is correct. At the Nagpur Session of the Indian National Congress (December 1920), the Congress formally adopted the objective of attaining ’Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means. This marked a decisive strategic shift under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, moving the Congress from constitutional methods to active mass mobilization.

Statement II is correct. The movement was carefully designed as a phased programme. The first phase included the surrender of titles and honours, boycott of government schools, law courts, legislative councils, and foreign goods. The next phase — involving civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes — was to be launched only if two conditions were met: Swaraj was not achieved within a year and the British Government resorted to repression. The discretion to launch the next stage rested with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress leadership. This phased approach ensured discipline and avoided premature confrontation.

The movement witnessed unprecedented participation from students, peasants, and women across India. However, it was suspended in February 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident, where a mob killed policemen — violating Gandhi’s fundamental principle of non-violence. Despite its suspension, the Non-Cooperation Movement marked the first true mass awakening in India’s freedom struggle and laid the foundation for future Civil Disobedience campaigns.