FrontPage: Name one thing that you know about India and/or its people during British rule that you think might either help or hurt its quest for independence. Homework: None

Indian Independence Gandhi’s Role and the Results of Independence

What factors would help or hurt the quest for India-pendence? In your groups, place each under the correct heading. Try to describe why these would help or hurt. Economy of India The Caste system Hinduism and Islam British rule WWI Superior firepower of British WWII

Calls for Independence Indian National Congress (INC) formed in 1885; mostly Hindu called for gradual change and opening of government jobs to Indians Gandhi becomes leader in 1920 Muslim League formed 1906 Counterbalance to INC; mostly Muslim Under the leadership of Ali Jinnah **Indians continue to resist British control after Sepoy Rebellion –

Gandhi Returns to India Had experienced the treatment of Indians in South Africa This is where he began to develop his ideas about non-violent civil disobedience Returned to India in 1914 Joins the INC, movement towards independence

Gandhi’s Tactics Main tactic – Called Satyagraha, or “truth force” Based on Hindu and Christian teachings Used methods of civil disobedience Rejected violence in favor of passive resistance Often fasted (went without food) Led marches, strikes and protests Gandhi also rejected parts of the caste system He renamed the Dalits (Untouchables) “Harijans” (Children of God)

After World War I Indian Nationalists began to agitate more for independence Unrest increases Strikes, marches and riots break out across India

Amritsar Massacre April 13 th, 1919 Nationalists meet in Amritsar, a city in NW India to protest limited rights British open fire on the protestors and panic ensues Almost 400 Indians were killed, and more than 1000 were wounded **Turning point in India’s struggle for freedom

Passive Resistance

Gandhi and the Spinning Wheel Gandhi encouraged Indians to return to their traditional ways of doing things One way was by his regular use of a spinning wheel This becomes a symbol of the independence movement

Gandhi and the Spinning Wheel

The Salt March (1930) Done to protest the law against producing salt and the high British tax on salt. Gandhi led followers on 200-mile march to the coast Joined by thousands along the way Made salt from water on the coast Thousands were arrested for breaking the British law Increased world support for Indian independence; cause Britons to questions their control of India

The Salt March

World War II Begins in 1939 INC refuses to support Britain unless granted independence Britain refuses Gandhi and others begin “Quit India” movement Encourage boycott of British goods, government and civil disobedience

The End of World War II Britain is in a weakened position after WWII Can no longer hold on to India ***Divisions grow between Hindu and Muslim leaders… Muslim leaders in India begin to call for a separate Muslim state Rioting/fighting breaks out between Muslims and Hindus

India Achieves Independence Finally, in 1947, Britain passes the Indian Independence Act This was done as a way to stop the fighting and appease both sides Creates the Hindu nation of India and the Muslim nation of East and West Pakistan

The Partition of India (1947)

Independence for India, and Violence after independence

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