Chapter 12: Nationalism and Revolution around the World
Section 3: India Seeks Self-Rule
In the early 1900s, many Indians were dissatisfied with British rule.
The Hindus and Muslims in India wanted national independence for India.
Protests against British rule had sparked riots and attacks on British residents.
Indian troops upset with Britain after WWI because the British did not keep their promise when no reforms regarding sovereignty were enacted after WWI.
Many nationalists carried out acts of violence to demonstrate their hatred of British rule.
Britain responded by passing the Rowlatt Act so that protestors can be jailed for two years without a trial.
What happened in Amritsar that would turn millions of Indians against Britain?
400 Indians were killed and 1100 were wounded by the British during a protest against the Rowlatt Act.
Why did Gandhi attract millions of followers?
Gandhi’s theories embraced Hindu traditions. He preached the ancient doctrine of ahimsa (uh him sah), or nonviolence and reverence for all life. To fight against injustice, he advocated the use of nonviolent resistance.
He admired Christian teachings about love. He believed in the American philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s ideas about nonviolent civil disobedience (satyagraha), the refusal to obey unjust laws.
Gandhi was also influenced by Western ideas of democracy and nationalism. He urged equal rights for all Indians, women as well as men. He fought hard to end the harsh treatment of untouchables, who were members of the lowest caste, or class.
According to Gandhi, what should be done to hurt Britain in India?
Boycott of British goods, to not attend government schools, do not pay taxes, and do not vote in elections.
What caused the Salt March in 1930?
Gandhi took a stand against the British salt monopoly, which he saw as a symbol of British oppression. Natural salt was available in the sea, but the British government required Indians to buy only salt sold by the monopoly. Indians showed their opposition to the act by marching 240 miles to the coast to make their own salt.
