Unit 2: Indian Independence

Overview: 

This unit introduces the different modes of resistance waged against the British. It offers a few activities that have students explore Gandhi's life and tactics and eventually have them evaluate his methods. It is critical in this unit to remind students of the previous study of British Imperialism and ask them to evaluate why Gandhi's approach of non-violence worked within the particular circumstances existent in India. With the approach of the next unit, students will be asked to make sense of the seeming senseless violence that befell the subcontinent during a moment that should have been a treasured moment of success for a people who fought so long and hard or their independence. The juxtaposition of these two units provides useful context to allow students to investigate essential questions about the nature and use of violence. 

Essential Questions: 

1. Who was Mohandas K. Gandhi and what was his philosophy of non-violent protest?

2. How did Gandhi implement his ideology of satyagraha to push the British out?

3. Why was the use of non-violence a successful strategy to push out the British Empire from India? 

Final Task: 

In 1906 Gandhi wrote, “The British have not taken India; we have given it to them. They are not in India because of their strength, but because we keep them.” For their essay students will either reject of support Gandhi’s claim above using their research and the texts studied in class. How was it that Indians “kept” the British in India by cooperating with their rule? In what ways did Indians collaborate with those who colonized them? Finally, they will have to explain how Gandhi’s insight influence his civil disobedience campaign?