Mahatma Gandhi

Definition

Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule, advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. His philosophy of Satyagraha, which means 'truth force' or 'soul force,' inspired millions to challenge oppression through peaceful means, significantly influencing decolonization efforts in India and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gandhi led the Salt March in 1930, a pivotal act of civil disobedience against British salt laws, highlighting the oppressive nature of colonial rule.
2. His philosophy emphasized self-reliance and the use of nonviolence (Ahimsa) as a powerful tool for social and political change.
3. Gandhi's efforts were instrumental in uniting diverse groups within India, bridging religious and cultural divides to create a collective push for independence.
4. He was jailed multiple times during his activism, which drew international attention to India's struggle against colonialism and increased pressure on the British government.
5. Gandhi's legacy of nonviolent resistance influenced global civil rights movements, including those led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Review Questions

• How did Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha shape the methods used in the Indian independence movement?
  • Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and nonviolence as effective tools for challenging injustice. This approach led to mass mobilizations such as the Salt March, where Indians protested British laws peacefully. By advocating for civil disobedience rather than violent revolt, Gandhi united people across different backgrounds and instilled a sense of collective purpose in the struggle for independence.
• What role did civil disobedience play in Gandhi's strategy to achieve Indian independence from British rule?
  • Civil disobedience was central to Gandhi's strategy as it provided a method for Indians to oppose British laws without resorting to violence. This approach not only challenged the legitimacy of colonial rule but also galvanized public support across the nation. Events like the Salt March showcased how mass participation in nonviolent protests could effectively undermine British authority and draw international attention to India's plight.
• Evaluate the impact of Gandhi's nonviolent resistance on global movements for freedom and civil rights throughout the 20th century.
  • Gandhi's commitment to nonviolent resistance profoundly influenced global movements for freedom and civil rights in the 20th century. His strategies were adopted by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought against racial segregation in the United States, and Nelson Mandela, who sought to end apartheid in South Africa. Gandhi's methods demonstrated that organized, peaceful protests could lead to significant social and political change, establishing a framework for future activists around the world.

Related terms

Satyagraha: A method of nonviolent resistance developed by Gandhi to promote social and political change through peaceful means.

Civil Disobedience: The active refusal to obey certain laws or commands of a government as a form of protest, which was central to Gandhi's strategy for achieving independence.

Indian National Congress: A major political party in India that played a crucial role in the struggle for independence from British rule, with Gandhi as one of its leading figures.