ICSE Class 10 Answered

Following are the circumstances that led to the decline of the Home Rule Movement:

1. The British government realised the seriousness of the demonstrations and decided that it needed to appease the nationalists so that there is no hindrance in the British war effort. As a result, it promised through it August Declaration of August 1917 that India will be awarded a responsible government after the war.
2. The Early Nationalists who had joined the movement after Annie Besant’s arrest were pacified with the promise of reforms and Annie Besant’s release.
3. The scheme of reforms offered by the British government left the Indian nationalists divided. While some wanted to accept it outright, there were others who wanted to reject it.
4. Towards the end of 1917, Tilak went to England and was away for many months. Annie Besant was unable to provide firm leadership to the movement without the aid of Tilak.