What methods did Mohandas Gandhi use to pressure the British to grant India its independence?

Answer 1

Mohandas Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, employed various methods and strategies in his efforts to secure India's independence from British colonial rule. Some of the key methods he used include:

1. Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi is widely known for his advocacy of nonviolent civil disobedience. He believed that violence only begets more violence and that peaceful resistance could be a powerful tool in achieving political change. He encouraged Indians to protest peacefully, boycott British goods, and engage in acts of civil disobedience like strikes, protests, and noncooperation with British authorities.

2. Civil Disobedience Campaigns: Gandhi led several mass campaigns that aimed to challenge British authority through nonviolent means. Notable campaigns include the Salt March in 1930, where Gandhi and his followers walked approximately 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt in defiance of the British salt monopoly, and the Quit India Movement of 1942, which called for the immediate withdrawal of the British from India.

3. Satyagraha: Developed by Gandhi, satyagraha is a philosophy and method of nonviolent resistance. It emphasizes the power of truth and moral persuasion in changing oppressive systems. Satyagrahis would willingly face violence, imprisonment, or even death, but would never resort to violence themselves. Through this method, Gandhi believed in transforming the oppressor's hearts and minds, while empowering the oppressed.

4. Mass Mobilization: Gandhi believed in the power of mass mobilization and public participation. He aimed to build a broad-based movement by involving people from all sections of Indian society, including farmers, workers, women, and students. By creating a united front against British rule, he sought to increase pressure on the colonial government.

5. Boycott and Swadeshi Movement: Gandhi advocated for the boycott of British goods and promoted the use of locally-made products (swadeshi). This was part of his economic resistance strategy aimed at weakening the British economy and promoting self-reliance in India. He encouraged Indians to spin their own cloth, known as khadi, highlighting the importance of economic independence.

6. International Pressure: Gandhi recognized the significance of international support in India's struggle for independence. He actively sought the solidarity and sympathy of the international community through his writings, speeches, and engagement with foreign media. Gandhi also engaged with influential political figures and leaders from different countries to secure their support for India's cause.

These methods employed by Gandhi, combined with the broader Indian freedom movement's efforts, eventually led to the British granting India its independence in 1947.