🏛️ History · Topic 79 of 96

Indian Independence and Gandhi

India gained independence from Britain in 1947 after a long campaign of non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, followed by partition.

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India gained independence from Britain in 1947 after a long campaign of non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, followed by partition.

  • Salt March in 1930
  • Partition created India and Pakistan
  • Millions were displaced

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What is Indian Independence and Gandhi?

Within History, which covers ancient civilisations, empires, revolutions, world wars and the making of the modern world, this topic explains Indian Independence and Gandhi. History topics connect events, people and ideas across time, so each one here gives a clear summary and a way to test your understanding.

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Understanding Indian Independence and Gandhi helps you explain change over time and judge why events happened, which is the core skill in history essays.

Indian Independence and Gandhi in detail

India was the most important part of the British Empire, and Indians had long demanded self-rule through the Indian National Congress. Mohandas Gandhi led a non-violent campaign of civil disobedience (satyagraha), including the Salt March of 1930, boycotts of British goods and non-cooperation.

World War Two weakened Britain, and Labour's government agreed to leave. Tensions between Hindus and Muslims, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Muslim League demanding a separate state, led to partition in August 1947 into India and Pakistan. Mass migration and violence killed up to a million people. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. His methods inspired later movements.

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Frequently asked questions about Indian Independence and Gandhi

What is Indian Independence and Gandhi?

India gained independence from Britain in 1947 after a long campaign of non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, followed by partition.

What are the most important points about Indian Independence and Gandhi?

The main points are: Salt March in 1930; Partition created India and Pakistan; Millions were displaced.

Why is Indian Independence and Gandhi useful?

Understanding Indian Independence and Gandhi helps you explain change over time and judge why events happened, which is the core skill in history essays.

How can I practise Indian Independence and Gandhi?

Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.

Which topics are related to Indian Independence and Gandhi?

Related topics in History include The Middle East Since 1945, The European Union, The History of Medicine.

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