Changes

The British did not grant independence to its colony of India immediately after World War I, as many Indians hoped.  Great Britain had no intention of relinquishing this vast subcontinent in Asia, which was valuable strategically.  To control rebellions in India, Britain passed a law in 1919 allowing imprisonment for two years without a jury trial.  Hindus and Muslims alike sought independence instead, and formed a peaceful demonstration at Amritsar, which was the capital of the Punjab area.  But a panicked British commander instructed his troops to fire on the Hindu and Muslim protesters, killing 400 in what is known as the Amritsar Massacre.  Indians nationwide were outraged and demanded independence.

The British did not grant independence to its colony of India immediately after World War I, as many Indians hoped.  Great Britain had no intention of relinquishing this vast subcontinent in Asia, which was valuable strategically.  To control rebellions in India, Britain passed a law in 1919 allowing imprisonment for two years without a jury trial.  Hindus and Muslims alike sought independence instead, and formed a peaceful demonstration at Amritsar, which was the capital of the Punjab area.  But a panicked British commander instructed his troops to fire on the Hindu and Muslim protesters, killing 400 in what is known as the Amritsar Massacre.  Indians nationwide were outraged and demanded independence.

A spiritual Indian leader emerged who was ultimately able to win Indian independence:  Mohandas K. Ghandi, known as the Mahatma (“Great Soul”).  He urged peaceful civil disobedience against the British, calling on Indians to refuse to pay taxes to Britain and to refuse to attend British schools.  He also called on Indians to stop trading with Britain, particularly with respect to clothing.  Britain, which was itself being weakened by socialism, was not as strong economically as it used to be.  Ghandi also campaigned for the Indian National Congress to change from an elite or wealthy group into more of a people’s voice that could advocate independence.  Ghandi’s approach drew upon Christian concepts as well as his native Hinduism.

A spiritual Indian leader emerged who was ultimately able to win Indian independence:  Mohandas K. Gandhi, known as the Mahatma (“Great Soul”).  He urged peaceful civil disobedience against the British, calling on Indians to refuse to pay taxes to Britain and to refuse to attend British schools.  He also called on Indians to stop trading with Britain, particularly with respect to clothing.  Britain, which was itself being weakened by socialism, was not as strong economically as it used to be.  Gandhi also campaigned for the Indian National Congress to change from an elite or wealthy group into more of a people’s voice that could advocate independence.  Gandhi’s approach drew upon Christian concepts as well as his native Hinduism.

Ghandi supported peaceful protests.  He led the Salt March in 1930 for 240 miles to the sea, to symbolize how Indians could obtain salt from evaporated salt water rather than buy it from (and pay taxes to) Britain.  A law required Indians to buy salt from the British government, but Ghandi’s march peacefully disobeyed that law and created much publicity.  Ghandi and many of his supporters were eventually arrested for some of their protests.

Gandhi supported peaceful protests.  He led the Salt March in 1930 for 240 miles to the sea, to symbolize how Indians could obtain salt from evaporated salt water rather than buy it from (and pay taxes to) Britain.  A law required Indians to buy salt from the British government, but Gandhi’s march peacefully disobeyed that law and created much publicity.  Gandhi and many of his supporters were eventually arrested for some of their protests.

At one point a British leader agreed to meet with Ghandi, who then attended wearing the simple Hindu clothing of a single cloth gown.  Offended by this, some British demanded an explanation for what appeared to them to be disrespectful clothing for a formal meeting.  Ghandi responded that the British official, who was dressed up in a formal suit and tie, was wearing enough clothes for both of them!

At one point a British leader agreed to meet with Gandhi, who then attended wearing the simple Hindu clothing of a single cloth gown.  Offended by this, some British demanded an explanation for what appeared to them to be disrespectful clothing for a formal meeting.  Gandhi responded that the British official, who was dressed up in a formal suit and tie, was wearing enough clothes for both of them!

Eventually Ghandi’s protest efforts paid off, as the British Parliament enacted the Government of India Act in 1935.  This established self-rule at a local level and allowed some democratic elections.  Muslims, however, feared majority Hindu rule and requested a separate state for Muslims.  The Muslim League endorsed the creation of a new country called “Pakistan” for the predominantly Muslim population of that region.  Subsequently India and Pakistan were created, and they are fully independent today.  Pakistan is predominantly Muslim and India is predominantly Hindu, and the two countries are not friendly with each other.

Eventually Gandhi’s protest efforts paid off, as the British Parliament enacted the Government of India Act in 1935.  This established self-rule at a local level and allowed some democratic elections.  Muslims, however, feared majority Hindu rule and requested a separate state for Muslims.  The Muslim League endorsed the creation of a new country called “Pakistan” for the predominantly Muslim population of that region.  Subsequently India and Pakistan were created, and they are fully independent today.  Pakistan is predominantly Muslim and India is predominantly Hindu, and the two countries are not friendly with each other.

===China===

===China===