Gandhi and Indian independence

British Colonialism Many European nations valued India’s unique and valuable goods They set up trading port cities throughout the 1600s and 1700s India became an official British “dominion” in 1858 and didn’t gain independence until 1947

“The sun never sets on the British Empire”

“The sun never sets on the British Empire”

Gandhi: Early Life Born in Pandabar, India on October 2, 1869 Is married to his wife Kasturbai in 1883 Travels to England in 1888 to study law At age 24 (1893), travels to South Africa where he works as a lawyer and fights for civil rights Finally returns to India in 1915

Lil’ Gandhi

Meet the Mrs.

All grown up

1-800-CALL-GANDHI

The Return of the Gandhi Gandhi finally returns to India in 1915 and becomes involved in politics Joins and eventually becomes president of the India National Congress His goals include: Eliminate Caste System including “untouchables” Equal rights Women’s rights Political and economic freedom for India Peace and tolerance between religions and ethnic groups

Gandhi’s Tool box Non-cooperation Peaceful protest Civil-disobedience Non-violence Boycott Hunger strike

Cloth Boycott

The Salt March India declares independence on Jan. 26th, 1930 Indians were forced to buy expensive British salt Gandhi said “Fine! We’ll make it ourselves!” March 12 – April 6 1931 241 miles Started with 78, thousands joined British are ticked off. Arrest 60,000.

The Salt March

The Salt March

Hunger Games Gandhi continued to lead protests against mistreatment of untouchables and against British rule He is thrown in jail repeatedly for sedition Engages in prolonged fasting called hunger strikes

Hunger Games

Victory! Great Britain grants India it’s independence on August 15, 1947 Territory is split into two countries: India and Pakistan

Not so happy ending Gandhi is assassinated by a Hindu nationalist on January 30, 1948

A Lasting Legacy