INDIA SEEKS SELF RULE Bell Work 3 Because

INDIA SEEKS SELF RULE Bell Work #3 Because of differences between the 4 staff members preventing a change in the stores operation

Introduction On April 13 1919, a large but peaceful crowd jammed into a walled field in the heart of the city. The British commander, General Reginald Dyer, had banned public meetings, but Indians either ignored or had not heard the order. n As Indian leaders addressed the crowd, Dyer arrived with 50 soldiers they opened fire on the unarmed men, women and children. For 10 minutes, they rained death on the people trapped in the field, killing 329 and wounding more than 1, 100. n The Amristar massacre was a turning po 9 nt for many Indians. It convinced them of the evils of British rule and how brutal and immoral imperialism was. n

MOVES TOWARD INDEPENDENCE n n n The tragedy at Amritsar was linked to Indian frustrations after WWI. During the war, more than a million Indians had served overseas, suffering heavy casualties. Indian nationalists grew increasingly angry that they had no freedom at home. To quiet nationalist demands, the British promised India greater self government after the war. But when the fighting ended, Britain proposed only a few minor reforms. Britain's crackdown on protesters triggered riots and the brutal slaughter in Amristar. After Amristar, it began to call for full independence. In the 1920 s a new leader emerged, Mohandas Gandhi. He united all Indians behind the drive for independence. Adoring Indians dubbed him mahatma, or “ Great Soul. ”

Mohandas Gandhi came from a middle class Hindu family. At age 19, he went to England to study law. After returning to India, he tried to set up his own law practice but soon joined and Indian law firm in South Africa. n For 20 years, Gandhi fought laws that discriminated against Indians in Sought Africa. He adopted the weapon of nonviolent resistance. He called it satyagraba, or “soul force. ” In 1914, Gandhi returned to India and joined the Congress party. His ideas inspired Indians of all religions and ethnic backgrounds and encouraged them to resist British rule. n

Western Influence Gandhi believed by using the power of love, he could convert even the worst wrongdoer to the right course of action. n Gandhi’s philosophy reflected western as well as Indian influences. He admired Christian teachings about love and had read the works of Henry David Thoreau, and American philosopher of the 1800 s who believed in Civil Disobedience, the refusal to obey unjust laws. n He urged equal rights for all Indians, women as well as men. n

Gandhi Sets an Example Abandoning western style clothing, Gandhi dressed in the Dhoti, the simple white garment traditionally worn by village Indians. n He called for boycotts of British goods, especially textiles, and urged Indians to wear only cotton grown and woven in India. n When protests led to violent riots, Gandhi was deeply upset. He would fast pray, and call on patriots to practice self control. n

Salt March 1930, Gandhi set our to end the British salt monopoly. n To Gandhi, the government salt monopoly was an evil burden on the poor and a symbol of British oppression. Every one needed salt to survive. But while natural salt was available in the sea, Indians were forbidden to touch it. They could only buy salt sold by the government. n Early in 1930, Gandhi wrote to the British viceroy in India, explaining his motives and goals. He stated his intention to break the law and condemned British rule as “a curse. ” n

While the World Watched On March 12, Gandhi made good on his challenge. With 78 followers, he set out on a 240 mile march to the sea. n By the time they reached the sea, the marchers numbered in the thousands. Each day, reporters wired news of Gandhi’s “Salt March. ” The world wondered what would happen when the small man in his simple white loin cloth broke the law. On April 6, Gandhi waded into the surf and picked up a lump of sea salt. Gandhi urged Indians to follow his lead. Even though he was soon arrested and jailed, coastal villagers started collecting salt. Congress party leaders sold salt on city streets, and went to jail. As Gandhi’s campaign gained force, tens of thousands of Indians were dragged off to prison. n

An Effective Tool All around the world, newspapers thundered against Britain. Stories revealed how police brutally clubbed peaceful marchers who tried to occupy a government salt works. n The salt March embarrassed Britain, which took pride in its democratic traditions. But in India, its officials were jailing thousands who asked only for basic freedoms that the British enjoyed in their own country. n Britain finally agreed to hand over some power to Indians and to meet other demands of the Congress party. Complete independence however, would not be achieved until 1947. n