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Sepoy Mutiny
Rumors had been spreading among Indian soldiers (sepoys) that their rifles which had to be biten at the end contained pork and beef fat. When these news spread they were infuriated, since both Hindus and Muslims restricted the eating of these meats. Many refused to use them and were sent to jail. On May 10, 1857 the sepoys rebelled capturing Delhi and extending the rebellion. -
British Take Over
Great Britain takes direct control over India. This was called "The British Raj" (rule) or the period of Dominion. During this time regular Indians were discriminated by Britons. -
Congress Party
The Hindu Indian National Congress, or congress party is formed. It was a crucial participant in the Indian Independence movement. After reaching independence it became the nation's Supreme political party. -
Gandhi in South Africa
After graduating as a lawyer, Gandhi goes to South Africa to represent those who feel their rights are being violated. During Gandhi's train journey with a first class ticket to Pretoria, he is greatly discriminated and is asked to leave because of a white man. -
Muslim League
Muslim league was founded to free India of foreign rule. The leader was Muhammad Ali Jinnah. -
First Timer
This date signifies the day Mahatma Gandhi was arrested for the first time in South Africa for rejecting to carry an obligatory identity document card (the pass). He was freed in February after negotiations with the government. -
A Hero Welcoming
After recently being freed from the South African prison Gandhi makes his way to India and is greeted by numerous people. -
Broken Promise
During this time, Indian troops returned home from fighthing in WWI for the british. They did this expecting the British to fulfill their promise on reforms and self-government. However, the British continued to treat them as “second class citizens”. Many radicals created violence to show their hatred towards british rule. -
Rowlatt Acts
British pass the Rowlatt Acts. These laws gave the government the power to imprison protestors without a trial for as long as two years. For "Western-Educated Indians", denial of a trial violated their individual rights. -
Amritsar Massacre
In opposition of the Rowlatt Acts many Hindus and Muslims met at Amritsar, Punjab in a festival. They were enclosed in sqaure-like area. Their intention was to fast, pray and listen to political speeches, but the British thought of this as a nationalistic outbreak since they had recently banned public meetings. Because of this, the commander ordered his troops to fire for 10 miuntes non-stop and led to the killing and injuries of many. Consequently, creating tension and anger around India. -
Civil Disobedience
The congress party approve civil disobedience, the conscious and public refusal to obey unjust law, using nonviolence to obtain independence. Gandhi made his campaign of civil disobedience to weaken british rule over India. Throughout this year many who participated in strikes and demonstrations were arreseted. Regardless of Gandhi’s pleas for non-violence, these often led to riots. -
Chauri Chaura
A big group of protesters and followers of the civil disobedience movement acted violently towards the Police. They burned their station and some died. -
The March on March
As of March 12, 1930 a salt march was held in resistance against paying the British for salt. They walked 240 miles and made their own salt by letting the sea water evaporate. "It was a peaceful Protest" -
Round Table Conference
Gandhi is invited to attend the Second London Round Table Conference to discuss the independence of India. Here, he was asked to call of the civil disobedience movement. As a result, he leaves the conference dissapointed and empty-handed. -
Man of the Year
During this time, Mahatma Gandhi appeared in the TIME Magazine cover as the Man of the Year. -
Government of India Act
The parliament of the UK passed the Government of India Act. It provided local self-government and limited democratic elections, yet not complete independence. However, this created tensions between Hindus and Muslims because they both had very different plans for it’s future and Hindus outnumbered Muslims so they feared they would control India if it became independent. -
Two Nations
British house of commons passed an act on July 16, 1947 that granted two nations: India and Pakistan starting the following month. During this time they all had to decide where to go.
“10 million where on the move in the Indian subcontinent” People had difficulty relocating and it caused violence and killings amongst those who trespassed their lands. As a result, 1 million died. -
Fighting
After the partition of India, Conflict among these nations arose. Various fights took place in the Pakistan border amongst themselves. One day, Ghandi goes to Calcutta and stays in a Muslim house creating strong tensions among the people. They Chanted from below the balcony "Death to Muslims" and wanted him to go because Muslims were "dangerous". -
Independence
India becomes independent August 15, 1947 becoming the world’s largest democracy. -
The End.
January 30, 1948 Ghandi is shot dead by a Hindu extremist who viewed him too protective of Muslims.