Mahatma Gandhi
Jared Garlick - 6th Period
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." - Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was the prominent leader of the Indian Independence movement against Britain. He led peaceful boycotts and acts of civil disobedience against the British rule in India. In the early 20th century, he advocated that officials working in the government stop following the British authorities, students stop attending schools endorsed by the government, and for citizens to stop buying British goods. The effect that Gandhi had was world-wide, and his acts of civil disobedience serve as and example of hope to other leaders who would be in similar situations as his later that century.
Salt March
In 1930, from March to April, Gandhi led thousands of Indians to the Arabian Sea Coast, nearly 240 miles. Britain enacted Salt Acts which prevented Indians from selling salt, forcing the people to buy this vital part of their diet from Britain. The march resulted in the arrest of Gandhi and 60,000 other people.
Indian Independence
After many years of struggle and non-violent opposition to Britain, India gained its independence in July of 1947. Gandhi and his followers won their battle, and they were free.
Mahatma Gandhi
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated while on his way to a prayer meeting. His life affected many, and will be remembered forever.
Mini Bio: Gandhi
Gandhi and Civil Disobedience
While in jail, Gandhi read Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" and it greatly influenced him. After his release from prison, Gandhi was not "content to obey [unjust laws]...[and endeavored] to amend them" (Thoreau). When the independence of India was not granted after WWI, a surprise to many, Gandhi led more acts of civil disobedience. Following the example of Thoreau, Gandhi "[did] at any time what [he thought] right" even though it led to several arrests, and eventually his assassination (Thoreau). Mahatma Gandhi embodies "Civil Disobedience" because he acted out against the government in a way that was not only peaceful, but very influential to the rest of the world.