Mohandas Gandhi
The theory of Nonviolence
Before Gandhi: India Summary
• A history of being ruled by “outsiders”
• Strong religious tension between dominant Hindu population and Muslims
• Did not truly push for independence until after World War I
• Amritsar Massacre was the turning point in independence movement
Gandhi found a different way to change the world
“Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this--ever in flesh and blood--walked upon this earth” Albert Einstein
Mohandas Gandhi• Hindu, Born in India 1869
– 2nd Highest Caste– Died 1948
• Earned a law degree in England (1891)
• Worked in South Africa from 1894-1914– Protested racial discrimination using non-violence
• Returns to India in 1915– Called Mahatma meaning “Great Soul”
Gandhi’s Epiphany
In South Africa 1895
Arranged marriage at 13 1902
Gandhi’s vision for change
• Gandhi spent 2,338 days in jail during his lifetime
• Argued to use non-violent resistance (civil disobedience) to achieve change
• Satyagraha: principle of “truth-force” which was the secret power of non-violence
Jawaharlal Nehru Ali Jinnah
Can they work together?
Primary Source
• Gandhi on Non-Violent Protest (1919)
“I believe that non-violence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment”
Gandhi’s Influence
• 1920 Indian National Congress endorses civil disobedience (non-violence) as means to achieve independence
• 1924 Gandhi assume the Presidency of the Indian National Congress
• Gandhi never OFFICIALLY held political office!
The British Viceroy’s view
• “There is no hesitation about him and there is a ring of sincerity in all that he utters…his religious views are…that non-violence and love will give India its independence and enable it to withstand the British Government”
“I must confess that I found it difficult to understand his practice of them in politics…”
(from a meeting with Gandhi in 1921)
Movie
Top Related