Mohandas Gandhi

The theory of Nonviolence

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

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

Mohandas Gandhi• Hindu, Born in India 1869

– 2nd Highest Caste– Died 1948

• Earned a law degree in England (1891)

• Worked in South Africa from 1894-1914– Protested racial discrimination using non-violence

• Returns to India in 1915– Called Mahatma meaning “Great Soul”

Gandhi’s Epiphany

In South Africa 1895

Arranged marriage at 13 1902

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

Jawaharlal Nehru Ali Jinnah

Can they work together?

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)

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