1. Indian Independence

2. Learning Objectives
As you view the PowerPoint, take notes on examples of:
Long-term conditions that led to rebellion
Immediate conditions that led to rebellion

3. British Imperialism in India
East India Trading Company (1600’s)
Settled with permission to trade
Monopoly on trade
Tea, cotton, spices
18th C. more and more political power as they conquered more lands

4. India Joins the British Empire
1853- India became a British colony
British had control of most of India
60% of Indian directly and the other
40% indirectly through native princes who followed British policies. 

5. Political Rights for Indians
The national government of India was ruled by the British
Each province (state) was ruled by either British or Indian princes
Indians had no say in either government

6. India Under British Rule
The British brought the Industrial Revolution to India
Factories
Coal and iron mining
Trains
All companies were owned by the British or the princes who helped them
Dramatically changed the economy of India
Restricted Indians from making their own goods

7. India Under British Rule
British Eurocentric beliefs
White Man’s Burden
The Caste System still existed, just below the British ruling class
BRITISH!
Brahman
Kshatriya
Vaisya
Sudra
Untouchables

9. India in WWI During WWI, over a million Indians had served overseas.
British promised more self-determination for India if they helped fight.
Self-determination= say in their own government

10. Government of India Act (1919)
The British did not believe that Indians could govern themselves
National parliament with two houses.
5 million of the wealthiest Indians were given the right to vote (a very small percentage of the total population)
In each of the provinces, ministers of education, health and public works could now be Indians

11. Self-Determination for India!
Spring ,000 Indians went to Amritsar
Wanted to fast and pray and listen to political speeches
Self-determination
British believed that they were trying to start a revolution

12. Amritsar Massacre
Most were unaware that the government had banned public demonstrations
General believed they were defying the ban
Open fire lasted for 10 minutes
400 dead, 1200 wounded

13. Calls for Independence
1920’s: Mohandas Gandhi united Indians across class lines
Inspired Indians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds
Non-violent protests called Civil Disobedience

14. Indian Nationalist Movement
Indians became more outspoken in their nationalist demands:
Self-determination
Britain out!
Increased pride in Indian culture and ways of life

15. Gandhi’s Thoughts…
“Hate the sin and not the sinner is a precept which though easy enough to understand is rarely practiced, and that is why the poison of hatred spreads in the world.”

16. Gandhi on the West
Gandhi was once asked what he thought about western civilization. His response was: "I think it would be a good idea."

17. On Non-violence “Violent means will give violent freedom.”
“Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”

18. The Power of Non-Violence
Embrace Hindu traditions
Ahimsa: non-violence and reverence for all life
Civil Disobedience: refusal to obey unjust laws
Influenced by Western democracy
Gandhi would go on to have a strong influence on MLK

19. Boycotts Boycott: refuse to buy Charkha
By refusing to buy British goods, how is Gandhi weakening British rule in India?
Charkha
Restore pride in India’s industries
Symbol of nationalist movement
Homespun doti

20. Salt Monopoly British Salt Monopoly= symbol of British oppression
Natural salt= available in the sea, but British government required Indians to buy only salt sold by their monopoly

21. Salt March 1930: Gandhi and 78 others began a 240 mile march to sea
By the time they reached the sea, there were thousands of followers

22. Breaking the Law April 6: Gandhi and followers arrive at the sea
Gandhi waded into surf and picked up a lump of sea salt
Arrested and taken to jail

23. Indians follow his lead
Coastal villages start collecting salt
Indians sold salt on city streets
Tens of thousands of Indians were imprisoned

24. Steps Towards Freedom
Newspapers criticized Britain’s harsh reaction to the protests
Police brutality
Britain agrees to meet demands of India’s Congress Party
1939: Indian Independence put on pause…

25. India is Free!
At 12:00 am on August 15, 1947 India gained total freedom
World’s largest democracy

26. Indian Independence
Now, answer the following: Which had more influence in starting the rebellion, long or immediate causes? Why do you think so? Be specific.