How important was Ghandi’s role in ending British rule in India?

The end of Empire Midnight 14 August 1947 British Union flag lowered for the last time in India Nearly 200 years of British rule came to an end An independent India took its place amongst the nations of the world How was independence achieved? How important was the role played by Mohandas Ghandi? To what extent did his actions force the British out of India?

Who was Mohandas Ghandi and what did he believe in? Born in India – 1868 – rich – sent to study law in England England – barrister South Africa – voting rights campaign for Indians Simple life – non-violence Abandoned Western clothes in 1909 Vegetarian

What was Ghandi’s idea of ‘Satyagraha’? ‘firmness in a righteous cause’ or ‘holding fast to the truth’ – non-violence Used against SA government – involved mobilising 1000s of people 1907 – Ghandi urged Indians to refuse to register their names and fingerprints 1908 – led thousands to Transvaal Indians retained their voting rights

Was Ghandi a threat to British power in India? 1915 – Ghandi arrived in India – Congress Party Party – quiet discussion, not public protests Bombay police investigated Ghandi Harmless eccentric – no real threat British Raj in India – 158 years old, 150,000 soldiers, Indian princes, British government How wrong they were