Gandhi and India

1. Gandhi and India Tactics of Non-Violence

2. Nationalism Increases • Indian soldiers joined the British military in WWI with the promise of moving toward self-government soon. • In 1919 the British passed the Rowlett Acts.

3. Amritsar Massacre • In 1919 Hindus and Muslims gathered in Amritsar to protest the Acts. • The British were worried about the alliance between the two groups. • The commander in Amritsar ordered the British to open fire on the group. • Official reports said 400 were dead and 1,200 wounded but others estimate higher numbers.

4. The emergence of Mahatma • The violence at Amritsar opened the door for a man named Gandhi to lead the Indians self-rule group in his non-violent movement. • Blended ideas from all major world religions and therefore attracted millions of followers.

5. Gandhi • Endorsed Civil Disobedience • Boycotts • Strikes and Demonstrations

6. The Salt March • Indians had to buy salt from the British • They also had to pay taxes on salt. • Gandhi led followers 240 miles to the seacoast where they collected seawater and evaporated it leaving salt.

7. The Salt March • This prompted another group to march to the factory where the British processed salt. • People marched and were bludgeoned by the British. • About 60,000 people were arrested in this peaceful march (countless wounded and murdered) • This march gained worldwide support for the Indian cause.

8. Limited Self-Rule • In 1935 India gained limited self-rule in the Government of India Act. • Provided local self-government • Limited democratic elections • This act fueled tension between the Hindus and Muslims. • Muslims outnumbered the Hindu people. • Did not gain independence until August 15, 1947

9. Activity • Think of a regulation that you get upset about. • This regulation should be something from you everyday life. • Now come up with a non-violent way to protest that regulation. • This protest should not actually break the regulation, but protest the regulation. • If you can’t think of anything you could always go on a hunger strike. • You are NOT actually completing these protests.