Introduction
The life of Gandhi closely parallels the development of the Indian independence movement. In this activity students will learn about the evolution of Gandhi's ideas, Gandhi's actions as a practitioner of nonviolence, and his achievements as a leader of the independence movement.

Lesson Description
Students will go to the Mahatma Gandhi Web site to read about Gandhi's life and his role in the Indian independence movement. Students will answer a series of questions about the main article. They will then read a commentary on Gandhi and analyze the article.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to discuss the life of Mahatma Gandhi as it relates to the independence movement in India.
2. Students will be able to apply what they have learned by analyzing an article about Gandhi and the status of women in India.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Satyagraha is a term Gandhi developed to signify his theory and practice of non-violent resistance.
2. The non-cooperation movement called on Indians to withdraw from British institutions, return honors conferred by the British, and learn the art of self-reliance. The movement paralyzed the British administration in India, but it was suspended in 1922 when 20 Indian policemen were killed by a crowd. Gandhi was arrested, convicted of sedition, and sentenced to six years in prison.
3. Gandhi regarded "separate electorates" as a form of discrimination against India's oppressed class of dalits, known at the time as "untouchables."
4. Tagore showed his respect for Gandhi by giving him the title mahatma, meaning "great soul."
5. Students' analyses will vary but should include the article's main points and some detail about the conditions of Indian women during Gandhi's time.

Go To Student Web Activity