So, Gandhi developed the idea of non-violent protests. Under his leadership, huge crowds
would march vast distances or peacefully occupy a public space. His methods attracted a
lot of media attention and embarrassed the authorities, who looked bad in the public eye
if they arrested people who weren’t even resisting. Gandhi himself staged hunger strikes
to back up his demands for justice, often coming near to death.
Through years of struggle, Gandhi and his followers won one battle after another - fairer
taxes, less discrimination, better relations between religious groups, less poverty, and
more rights for women. But they paid a terrible price, with thousands of people killed or
injured by police and soldiers, and tens of thousands arrested.
Gandhi’s last struggle, for Indian independence, was the hardest one. He and his family,
along with their closest supporters, were imprisoned for years. Gandhi’s wife died and
the Mahatma himself was nearly killed by malaria.
Independence finally came in 1947, thanks largely to Gandhi’s leadership and courage.
But the British cut the nation into two parts, India and Pakistan, sparking violence and
starvation that killed hundreds of thousands of people. If Gandhi had not stepped in
personally, it would have been even worse.
The Mahatma was assassinated in 1948 while leading a prayer meeting. He died as he
lived, seeking peace.
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