Mohandas Gandhi The theory of Nonviolence

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

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

Amritsar Massacre

Mohandas Gandhi Hindu, Born in India 1869, Died 1948 –2 nd Highest Caste Earned a law degree in England (1891) Worked in South Africa from –Protested racial discrimination using non-violence Returns to India in 1915 –Called Mahatma meaning “Great Soul”

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 which meant “truth-force” was the secret power of non-violence

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)

The Indian view “How could we pull India out of this quagmire of poverty and defeatism…and then Gandhi came. He was like a powerful current of fresh air…He did not descend from the top; he seemed to emerge from the millions of India” Gandhi was a common man with an uncommon message: “be not afraid”

Primary Source Gandhi: Indian Home Rule –Written in 1938

What do these events have in common? How can you affect change in the world? French Revolution Russian Revolution World War IWorld War II