1. The World Between the Wars (1910–1939)
Lesson 3 India Seeks Self-Rule

2. The World Between the Wars (1910–1939) Lesson 3 India Seeks Self-Rule
Learning Objectives
Explain the impact of World War I and the Amritsar massacre on Indian nationalism.
Evaluate the ideas of Mohandas Gandhi.
Analyze how Gandhi led resistance to political oppression in India.

3. The World Between the Wars (1910–1939) Lesson 3 India Seeks Self-Rule
Key Terms
Mohandas Gandhi
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Amritsar massacre
ahimsa
civil disobedience,
untouchables,
boycott,

4. India’s Struggle for Independence Begins
Indians had long struggled to end British control. Since 1885, the Indian National Congress party, called the Congress party, had pressed for self-rule within the British empire but had not yet called for full independence.

5. India’s Struggle for Independence Begins
A New Leader Emerges
British promised Independence, but didn’t follow through
Mohandas Gandhi
Mohatma-
Inspired Indians to resist
Non-violence
The Muslim League
Muhammad Ali Jinnah-
Wanted to protect Muslim interests
Cooperated with Congress party and Hindus until independence was achieved
The Amritsar Massacre
Rowlatt Acts
Sikhs gather in Amristar
British had outlawed mass gatherings
Crowd didn’t know of the order
General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on the crowd
400 killed and 1,100 wounded

6. India’s Struggle for Independence Begins
The Indian National Congress was formed in Initially, the congress passed only moderate reforms. Members soon began pushing for more radical action and full independence.

7. Gandhi’s Philosophy of Civil Disobedience
In 1921, Gandhi was elected president of the Congress party. He remained the dominant figure in Indian politics for more than twenty years. His words, actions, and ideas inspired Indians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

8. Gandhi’s Philosophy of Civil Disobedience
Nonviolent Protest
Ahimsa-
Civil Disobedience
End to harsh treatment of untouchables
Restoring National Pride
Boycott British goods
Weave own shirts
Abandon western clothes
dhota

9. Gandhi’s Philosophy of Civil Disobedience
Gandhi taught his ways to people throughout India. Here, he speaks to harijan workers at his ashram, or spiritual retreat, in the village of Sevagram.

10. Gandhi Takes a Stand
To mobilize mass support, Gandhi decided to take a stand against the British salt monopoly, which he saw as a symbol of British oppression. Natural salt was available along the shore, and people had traditionally gotten their salt supplies by boiling seawater. But under colonial rule, the British claimed the sole right to produce and sell salt. By taxing those sales, they collected money to maintain their government in India.

11. Gandhi Takes a Stand
The Salt March
British had monopoly on salt trade
Gandhi- whatever, we’ll walk to the sea and get our own salt
240 mile march, thousands by the time they arrive
Arrested and jailed
World Opinion Shifts
March embarrassed British nationwide
America a little hypocritical
British started to work with Congress Party
The Future of India
Indian independence delayed by WWII
Brought India into war with them
Independence came after the war, but conflict between Hindus and Muslims would explode

12. Gandhi Takes a Stand
The Salt March, shown here, began at Gandhi’s ashram in Sabermati. When Gandhi reached the shore, he picked up a handful of salt and claimed he was shaking the British empire’s foundation.

13. Quiz: India’s Struggle for Independence Begins
Why did a crowd of Indians gather at an enclosed field in Amritsar?
A. to protest the Rowlatt Acts
B. to demand independence from Britain
C. to hear Gandhi’s first public speech
D. to confront General Dyer

14. Quiz: Gandhi’s Philosophy of Civil Disobedience
Why did Gandhi call for boycotts on British goods?
A. He wanted Indians to rely less on material goods.
B. He wanted Indians to be self-sufficient.
C. He wanted to create Indian monopolies.
D. He wanted Britain to lose money.

15. Quiz: Gandhi Takes a Stand
What did the Salt March symbolize?
A. India’s attack on the government
B. India’s ability to govern itself
C. Indian protest against British oppression
D. Indians’ dependence on British salt