Emma Rose

Baumgartner
Gandhi leads India to Sovereignty
Nationalism is showing devotion and loyalty to ones own country and can be expressed
in many different ways. As seen after 9/11, the citizens of America were frantic and in fear
because of the crisis that had just occurred. Because of nationalism, those who suffered were able
to turn to those in their communities, who were lifted up by the spirit of America. The most
powerful nation in the world was attacked, a nation that held the epitome of sovereignty was
challenged by another nation, and American citizens were ready to fight back and stand united to
whatever battle was next, and this could be seen by the abundance of American flags- on every
doorstep1. Nationalism remained and stills remains even after 9/11 occurred in America, and
sovereignty was achieved once again. Smaller and lesser developed nations battled even more
vigorous and Mahatma Gandhi battled with diligence to obtain Indias national freedom and
sovereignty. In the mind of Mahatma Gandhi, sovereignty was achieved through acting in
humble manners, which were the best interests of his fellow Indians. He expresses why attaining
sovereignty was imperative in India, I want the freedom of my country so that other countries
may learn something from my free country, so that the resources of my country may be utilized
for the benefits of mankind2. By starting with smaller issues first in India like insisting that
Indians get voting rights and established Phoenix Farm in 1904. Gandhi was able to utilize his
shyness to wipe out interdependence, achieve independence and unite the nation together in a
brotherhood with a humble nature and emotional charge.
1 Gabriel, Kendall. Nationalism. Lecture: Coventry High School, Sept. 2-11, 2014.
2 "Mind of Mahatma Gandhi : Complete Book Online." Mind of Mahatma Gandhi : Complete Book Online. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.

If India had not been tampered with and invaded by the British, today it would be one of the
richest nations in the world; the people of Indian had no defense and not a strong enough army to
fight off the British invasion. Goods produced in India were available to the Indian people;
however, they were being charged a large amount of taxed with each purchase. Fatigued from all
the taxations and malfeasance being received from the British, Gandhi organized a Salt March to
the Arabian Sea Coast- around 240 miles from Ahmedabad. Gandhi and 60,000 other participants
were arrested for resistance and protesting the British salt tax3. Gandhis movements such as the
salt march and the boycott of buying British textiles and clothing inspired the people of India,
and these actions enlightened them to the fact that if they can resist the urge to become violent to
fight back, then they can resist the British. Many innocent members of the nation were killed in
open fire by narcissistic members of the British forces, and the forms of retaliation were subtle
by the Indian people. Although Gandhis tactics and beliefs frustrated many, most followed his
example because they knew that he was wise and that anyone who opposed and defied or
threatened the British Empire would be arrested. Gandhi and his followers were so passionate
about attaining independence and sovereignty from British rule that they became very united as a
nation. By fighting for freedom as a nation, they were fighting to defend India and showed
devotion and loyalty to ones own country4. Nationalism holds an essential role to the way that
India achieved their independence. Aspiring to become one sovereign nation of India was a
powerful and driving force and explanation of why the British ended up leaving India. The
persistence of the citizens of India was no match and not even worth the trouble to the British

3 "Salt March." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.
4 Dictionary.com. Accessed September 19, 2014.

Empire. After they got all that they wanted (geographically) there was not much of a reason to
stay.
Mahatma Gandhis legacy is admired and respected: Resist not evil5. Because his resistance
differed very much from many other means of violence, Gandhi was able to galvanize an entire
nation to not only resist the British but to unite as one powerful and nonviolent nation. In the
midst of a crucial and frightening time, Gandhi united his people together. The ashram he created
a non biased and an uplifting environment for everybody who came and was a follower of
Gandhis conditions for the community. Women enjoyed full freedom and equal rights, there
was complete religious tolerance, and caste distinctions were ignored.6 By Gandhi allowing
women equal rights, it shows his fellow Indians that he is pushing aside any other societal
problems and focusing on what can be done to gain sovereignty. He was the embodiment of
loyalty and devotion to ones nation and the people of India followed in his lead to achieve a
sovereign nation. Nationalism influenced Gandhis goals for India because he made it completely
evident that nobody would be denied in the effort to put the British Empire to rest. Gandhis nonviolent retaliation to higher taxation, and homicides committed by the British spoke louder than
violent actions would have. This is evident because after boycotting the purchase of salt, and
going right to the source for it, the British forces intervened out of anger and innumerable of
people participating in the march were shot and killed on the spot. The courageous leader,
Gandhi, led India successfully to independence and sovereignty by using revolutionary methods
of retaliation to become an inspired and nationalistic union.

5 "GANDHI." GANDHI. Accessed September 19, 2014.

6 Same as above

Works Cited
1) Gabriel, Kendall. Nationalism. Lecture: Coventry High School, Sept. 2-11,
2014.
2) "Mind of Mahatma Gandhi : Complete Book Online." Mind of Mahatma Gandhi :
Complete Book Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.
3) "Salt March." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.
4) Dictionary.com. Accessed September 19, 2014.
5) "GANDHI." GANDHI. Accessed September 19, 2014.