The shift from moderate to militant nationalism during the Anti-Partition Movement in Bengal, and its subsequent spread across India, was influenced by several key factors.

Failure of Moderate Efforts

1.Ineffectiveness of Moderates: The initial phase of the Anti-Partition Movement, led by moderate nationalists, failed to make significant impacts. Despite peaceful protests and petitions, the partition remained unaltered.

2.Dismissal by British Authorities: Expectations from liberal British officials like Secretary of State John Morley were dashed when he declared the Partition of Bengal a settled fact, showing the limitations of moderate politics.

Communal Divide and Government Tactics

1.Divisive Policies: The British administration in Bengal, especially in East Bengal, actively worked to divide Hindu and Muslim communities, exacerbating tensions and undermining united nationalist efforts.

2.Beginnings of Sectarian Politics: These divisive strategies contributed to the early seeds of Hindu-Muslim disunity in Bengal, complicating the nationalist movement and fostering bitterness among nationalists.

Repressive Government Measures