Gandhi and Civil Disobedience

Larab Fatima
Senior Division
Website

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Larab Fatima
December 27 2014
Period: 2

Process Paper
While the Indians thought that violence was the only way to fight against British rule,
Mahatma Gandhi showed leadership and left legacy in history by leading a peaceful movement,
using the weapons of nonviolence and uniting the people of India against the British. I chose my
topic because it has impacted the past, present and will affect the future generations in a positive
way. Today, when the world has drawn into wars, I felt like spreading the Gandhis message of
peace and nonviolence can make people realize the importance of peace and can let the flag of
freedom and peace wave on the Earth.
I started researching as soon as I chose my topic. I first looked on the internet for a
general view of the topic. I read through a couple of articles, but the information was very basic.
I went to my school library to discover some good databases and reliable websites. I found some
major and helpful information there. Then, I started looking for primary sources. I found some
good photographs, old newspapers, diaries and letters. I chose to make a website because it
allows me to easily add photos, audio, videos, and direct quotes.
My topic Gandhi and civil disobedience is considerably related to the theme,
Leadership and Legacy in History. On March 12, 1930 Mohandas Gandhi started a peaceful
movement civil disobedience against British rule in India. Gandhi and his followers marched
to the Arabian Sea, where they broke the British rule by making salt from sea water. Gandhi led

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the movement of civil disobedience to fight against the British authority, but the only weapons
used in this fight for freedom were peace and nonviolence. Gandhis leadership united the people
of India under one flag and made them realize the importance of freedom and Independence.
Gandhis civil disobedience left legacy in history by ending the conflicts between Hindus and
Muslims and finishing the cast and creed system in India. It gathered the people of different
castes and religions as a strong force that British could not ignore.
Gandhis death did not destroy his legacy. Gandhis civil disobedience influenced several
leaders across the globe. It greatly affected the leader of civil rights movement, Martin Luther
King Jr. Inspired by Gandhi; King led a nonviolent civil disobedience movement for racial
equality in the United States of America. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolence and peace
during the civil rights movement of 1954-68. He studied Gandhis teachings and applied them to
his civil rights movement. Gandhis civil disobedience contributed to the African Americans
getting equal rights in America. When it comes to the world peace, Gandhis civil disobedience
is always credited. Gandhis civil disobedience introduced new methods (peace and nonviolence)
for protesting and fighting. Gandhis civil disobedience gives the message of love, peace,
honesty and nonviolence to the entire world. It has shown to the whole world that peace and
nonviolence can do what swords, guns and violence cannot.

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