Indian Independence

Learning Objectives As you view the PowerPoint, take notes on examples of: Long-term conditions that led to rebellion Immediate conditions that led to rebellion

British Imperialism in India East India Trading Company (1600’s) Settled with permission to trade Monopoly on trade Tea, cotton, spices 18th C. more and more political power as they conquered more lands

India Joins the British Empire 1853- India became a British colony British had control of most of India 60% of Indian directly and the other 40% indirectly through native princes who followed British policies. 

Political Rights for Indians The national government of India was ruled by the British Each province (state) was ruled by either British or Indian princes Indians had no say in either government

India Under British Rule The British brought the Industrial Revolution to India Factories Coal and iron mining Trains All companies were owned by the British or the princes who helped them Dramatically changed the economy of India Restricted Indians from making their own goods

India Under British Rule British Eurocentric beliefs White Man’s Burden The Caste System still existed, just below the British ruling class BRITISH! Brahman Kshatriya Vaisya Sudra Untouchables

India in WWI During WWI, over a million Indians had served overseas. British promised more self-determination for India if they helped fight. Self-determination= say in their own government

Government of India Act (1919) The British did not believe that Indians could govern themselves National parliament with two houses. 5 million of the wealthiest Indians were given the right to vote (a very small percentage of the total population) In each of the provinces, ministers of education, health and public works could now be Indians

Self-Determination for India! Spring 1919- 10,000 Indians went to Amritsar Wanted to fast and pray and listen to political speeches Self-determination British believed that they were trying to start a revolution

Amritsar Massacre Most were unaware that the government had banned public demonstrations General believed they were defying the ban Open fire lasted for 10 minutes 400 dead, 1200 wounded

Calls for Independence 1920’s: Mohandas Gandhi united Indians across class lines Inspired Indians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds Non-violent protests called Civil Disobedience

Indian Nationalist Movement Indians became more outspoken in their nationalist demands: Self-determination Britain out! Increased pride in Indian culture and ways of life

Gandhi’s Thoughts… “Hate the sin and not the sinner is a precept which though easy enough to understand is rarely practiced, and that is why the poison of hatred spreads in the world.”

Gandhi on the West Gandhi was once asked what he thought about western civilization. His response was: "I think it would be a good idea."

On Non-violence “Violent means will give violent freedom.” “Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”

The Power of Non-Violence Embrace Hindu traditions Ahimsa: non-violence and reverence for all life Civil Disobedience: refusal to obey unjust laws Influenced by Western democracy Gandhi would go on to have a strong influence on MLK

Boycotts Boycott: refuse to buy Charkha By refusing to buy British goods, how is Gandhi weakening British rule in India? Charkha Restore pride in India’s industries Symbol of nationalist movement Homespun doti

Salt Monopoly British Salt Monopoly= symbol of British oppression Natural salt= available in the sea, but British government required Indians to buy only salt sold by their monopoly

Salt March 1930: Gandhi and 78 others began a 240 mile march to sea By the time they reached the sea, there were thousands of followers

Breaking the Law April 6: Gandhi and followers arrive at the sea Gandhi waded into surf and picked up a lump of sea salt Arrested and taken to jail

Indians follow his lead Coastal villages start collecting salt Indians sold salt on city streets Tens of thousands of Indians were imprisoned

Steps Towards Freedom Newspapers criticized Britain’s harsh reaction to the protests Police brutality Britain agrees to meet demands of India’s Congress Party 1939: Indian Independence put on pause…

India is Free! At 12:00 am on August 15, 1947 India gained total freedom World’s largest democracy

Indian Independence Now, answer the following: Which had more influence in starting the rebellion, long or immediate causes? Why do you think so? Be specific.