Module 6 - Chapter 22

What was the role of Gandhi in India's struggle for independence?

• Gandhi had various roles but mostly he was an advocate for Hindus and Muslims to coexist with each other and also an advocate for women. Gandhi believed that there should be no violence when approaching politics. Gandhi’s views in politics differed because they were mostly based on morality and the overall good treatment of people. Gandhi worked hard to raise the status of those that were low in the caste system, however, he did not send any negative messages towards people of higher castes as he always accepted the support of businessmen and other critics. Gandhi also advocated for women as he tried to elevate their standing in marriage and society.  Gandhi even called for women to be part of nonviolent protests. Although he advocated for women, it would only be in part because he would make sure to follow traditional Indian values as he would later describe that the job of motherhood was very important. Gandhi would reject modern industrialization. Gandhi viewed that it was a modern civilization that was ruining India especially because he felt like India was slowly abandoning religion and anything traditional and moral. Gandhi advocated for the spirituality of its people, as he wanted Hindus and Muslims to be able to share one country. He wanted the religions to coexist in one country but there were too many fears and tensions that would later lead to the independence of India and the creation of Pakistan.  Gandhi was a leader in the INC in 1920. Gandhi garnered a large following.

What Obstacles impeded the economic development of third-world countries?

• The obstacles that impeded the economic development of third-world countries were different and varied by degree. When the countries gained their independence, they were left with various poor circumstances. Some of the countries left little literate people. Colonial rule left very weak private economies and poor systems of transportation. Because of very weak private economies, there were little to no chances of competing with nations of larger economies. The Global North was dominant in terms of the economy especially considering there were many transnational corporations in the market. The transnational companies were all capitalist, which could have been a foreign concept especially in a time where capitalism may not want to be the first option.  Many of the developing nations were used to thinking in terms of the local economy and had more priority, as opposed to thinking as an overall whole economy. Many of the third-world countries did not know what strategies to implement or to use in order to create a thriving economy. There were little chances for third-world countries to hold any leverage for large corporations.

What international circumstances and social changes contributed to the end of colonial empires? 

• Because of world wars, Europe was now weakened and did not have much power. Europe was no longer morally superior and it needed to recover. The United Nations established a platform in which they conducted anti-colonial agitation. There the United Nations established and encouraged the anti-colonial movements across the globe. Then, there was a change in social values. Many people were becoming resentful of Europeans. Workers were becoming aware of their exploitation. Small scale female traders were resentful of those with European privileges. Many would have lost their lands and were forced to turn to a new life. A lot of injustices were coming to light and instead of staying silent, there were advocates for the end of colonial empires. Everyone was becoming aware of including the educated elite. The elite began to argue that colonies were no longer needed to lead the way into modernization. Because of this, many of the educated elite insisted that countries be independent. When hearing about this, many would agree and thus the general masses started agreeing with the elite. Along with the people, the Unites States and USSR became global superpowers which then lead to them opposing any kind of colonial empires Europe had.