Document X: India’s Independence and Gandhi’s Movement (1947)

Text: India was ruled by the British for nearly 200 years. Indians had little power, couldn’t vote, and were treated unfairly.

Mahatma Gandhi led a peaceful movement for independence using nonviolence. He organized marches and boycotts to protest British laws. One famous protest was the Salt March, where people walked 240 miles to make their own salt.

India became independent in 1947, a big step toward fairness. But soon after, religious violence between Hindus and Muslims led to the partition of India and Pakistan. Millions were forced to move, and many were killed.

Background: Gandhi’s movement showed peaceful protest can bring change—but also that deep divisions can lead to new problems.

How does this document show BOTH the efforts to create a stable and just society and the obstacles that got in the way?