imperialism and race relations essays

imperialism and race relations essays A small Indian man by the name of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or, more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, played the dominant role in securing the downfall of British rule in India. Not only did he play a pivotal role in creating an Independent India but he tried to do did it without guns or physical violence. Gandhis fight against racism and British rule in India began in South Africa when he was thrown off a train for being an Indian in a first class carriage. On returning to India he continued his goal of an independent India through policies of non-cooperation, non-violence and Satyagraha (Sanskrit for truth and firmness). Gandhi, the major leader for the movement for an Independent India was born in India. In 1988 he then went to the University College in London where he gained a degree in law and was admitted to the British bar. Gandhi, attempting to set up a law firm in Bombay had very little success. Two years later he was offered a job from a South African firm in Durban and on route to this new job he suffered major mistreatment, on the train, through injustice and racism. This sparked Gandhis fight for the rights and liberties of the Indian people. Gandhi stayed in South Africa for over twenty years, during which he gained much experience in battling colonial governments. The first being the Indian Franchise Bill passed in 1984. This meant that Indians had the right to vote withdrawn. Gandhi fought the Natal Government and managed to have little success. Although the act was changed, it was just the wording and it still did as it did before. During the Boer War Gandhi established an Ambulance Corp in support of the British after which he continued his campaign. In 1906 the Black Ordinance was introduced which meant that all Indians had to have in possession a certificate that could be demanded when ever. Gandhi opposed this with his policies of non-cooperation and satyagraha. Before Gandhi was ...