key term - Mohandas Gandhi

Definition

Mohandas Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a key figure in India's struggle for independence from British rule. He is best known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which influenced global movements for civil rights and freedom. Gandhi's approach to political activism not only shaped India's path to independence but also contributed to broader global resistance against colonialism and oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, and later studied law in London before becoming a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.
2. He introduced the concept of Satyagraha, which became a central tenet of his activism, promoting the idea that nonviolent resistance could be a powerful tool against injustice.
3. Gandhi led several significant campaigns against British rule, including the Salt March in 1930, which protested the British monopoly on salt production and sales.
4. His emphasis on self-reliance and the spinning of khadi (hand-spun cloth) became symbols of economic independence and resistance against British goods.
5. Gandhi's legacy extends beyond India; his philosophy of nonviolence inspired civil rights movements around the world, including those led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Review Questions

• How did Mohandas Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha influence the methods of resistance used during the Indian independence movement?
  • Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha emphasized nonviolence and truth as powerful tools for social change. This approach transformed the methods of resistance used during the Indian independence movement by prioritizing peaceful protests over violent uprisings. By advocating for civil disobedience and mass mobilization without resorting to violence, Gandhi united diverse groups under a common cause and inspired widespread participation in the struggle against British colonial rule.
• In what ways did Gandhi's activism impact global movements for civil rights and decolonization in the 20th century?
  • Gandhi's activism had a profound impact on global movements for civil rights and decolonization by demonstrating that nonviolent resistance could effectively challenge oppressive regimes. His methods inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement and Nelson Mandela during the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Gandhi's emphasis on moral courage, social justice, and self-determination resonated with various movements around the world seeking freedom from colonialism and systemic oppression.
• Evaluate the significance of Gandhi's approach to economic self-reliance through initiatives like spinning khadi, and how this contributed to India's independence efforts.
  • Gandhi's approach to economic self-reliance through initiatives like spinning khadi was significant because it addressed both economic exploitation by British colonial rule and national identity. By promoting khadi as a symbol of self-sufficiency, he encouraged Indians to reject British goods and embrace local production. This not only fostered unity among Indians but also weakened Britain's economic control over India. Furthermore, these initiatives empowered communities to take charge of their economic futures, contributing to a broader sense of nationalism that was crucial for mobilizing support for independence.

Related terms

Satyagraha:

A philosophy and practice of nonviolent resistance developed by Gandhi, emphasizing the power of truth and moral persuasion in the struggle for justice.

Indian National Congress:

A major political party in India founded in 1885 that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, with Gandhi becoming one of its most prominent leaders.

Civil Disobedience: The active refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government, often through peaceful protests; a strategy used by Gandhi to challenge British authority in India.