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Gandhi Born
Mohandas Gandhi was born to Karimchand and Putlibai Gandhi in Porbandar, India. His mother was more than 20 years younger than his father. His father was a governmental official in Porbandar. This was important because Gandhi would grow to be a key leader in the Indian independence movement, and a key advocate for the civil rights of Indians living in South Africa. (Kytle, 18) -
Richard Theodore Graduates from Harvard
Just a year after Gandhi's birth, the Richard Theodore became the first African-American to graduate from Harvard University. This happened just five years after the end of the American Civil War. Its importance lies in the fact that it began to signal the beginning of opportunities for upward social mobility for Black-Americans so soon after the abolition of slavery. (fsmitha.com) -
Gets Married
When he was just thirteen, Mohandas was forced into a marriage with fourteen year old Kasturbai Makhanji. This wasn't uncommon in his traditional region of India. Gandhi's marriage was important to his conduct in general. Gandhi was a young man of anger. Having a wife at such a young age forced him to learn to deal with uncomfortable social situations. Kasturbai was also headstrong and stubborn, and Gandhi had to learn compromise. The partnership brought Gandhi joy and discipline.(biography.com) -
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Gandhi has children
Gandhi and his wife had four boys, Harilal, Marilal, Ramdas, and Devdas. Their life choices provide important insight into Gandhi's personal life. The youngest three all took an active part in the socio-political movements that their father led, though they never had the dedication that their father did. Harilal however, was a stain on his father's name. He renounced all family ties as a young man, and would continue to rebel against his father throughout his life.(gandhiserve.org) -
Moves to London
Gandhi moved to London to study law. This was an important aspect of his education. Prior to this, he had a very preliminary education. Gandhi would go on to spend his time in London learning about the world outside India. He learned culture, and modern political ideas. This was extremely influential and important to Gandhi's development as a person. He would learn of how the English felt about Indians. This would aid him in his leadership role in the Indian Independence movement. (Clement, 23) -
Moves to South Africa
Gandhi moved to South Africa as a young lawyer looking for work, He was hired to work on behalf of an Indian trader living there. He ended up living there on and off for 21 years. In South Africa, he fought against the discrimination that the Indian-South Africans were dealing with. This was a formative time for Gandhi's morals. Here, he tested and perfected the methods of civil disobedience that he would use when he went back to India. (Kyrtle, 19) -
First Subway Opens
The first subway is opened in Boston, Massachusetts. This came three years before New York opened its first subway. This was important as it helped solve the problem of traffic congestion in big cities. This contributed to more incentive for people to move there. (famousdaily.com)(fsmitha.com) -
Flashbulb Photography Begins
Louis Boutan, a zoologist and underwater photographer, developed the first flashbulb after a series of experiments underwater. This was important because it led to a new era of journalism and photography in general.
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World War 1
World War I was fought between the Central and Allied Powers. It was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife. WWI was a major part of world history because it involved nearly all of Europe, and it set the stage for World War II.
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First Academy Awards
The first Academy Awards are presented. The silent film "Wings" wins Best Picture. This was important because it represents a new era of idolizing movie stars. Hollywood is beginning to emerge as a very legitimate and lucrative industry.
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Salt March
Gandhi protested a tax England had placed on salt. In his most famous display of peaceful resistance, Gandhi led a 60,000 person march to the sea. He and his followers proceeded to make their own salt from the sea water. This was incredibly important in ensuring Gandhi's reach beyond India. It gave him and his movement attention around the globe. This attention would eventually lead to more pressure being placed on the British government to grant Indian independence. (history.com) (Clements, 27) -
Attends Round Table Conference
Gandhi was still in prison after the Salt March, but was granted release to attend the Round Table Conference on India in London. He was their as the only person from the Indian National Congress. After his return to India, he was again imprisoned. The meeting was a dud, with little progress made. This was important because further convinced Gandhi that Independence wasn't to be gained be working with the British, but was going to be forced upon the British.(Wakin, 34) -
Geneva Convention Sets Standards for Treatment of Prisoners of War
The Third Geneva Convention sets new rules for how Prisoners of War can be treated. They prevented cruel torture and humiliation. This was hugely impactful to modern warfare. It begins the ushering in of an era of a sophisticated style of war.
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Fast for Untouchables
Gandhi began to fast against the separate elections that were proposed for Untouchables, the lowest caste, in the Indian constitution. Gandhi was so respected by the Indian people, that the British government feared riots and violence in the case of his death. This pressured them to write it out. This event made Gandhi a beloved figure to the Untouchables who had long been ignored in politics, and would play a key role when Gandhi would eventually push for Indian Independence.(Kyrtle, 52) -
Launches "Quit India"
Gandhi was an huge proponent for Indian independence. He launched "Quit India", a movement to try to force the British out of the country. This was important because it lead to he and other leaders of the movement being imprisoned for this. Gandhi's tradition of peaceful resistance was his trademark. When he was arrested for doing essentially nothing wrong, it exposed the injustices of the British reign, further angering the Indian people.(history.com) -
Gandhi is Assasinated
Gandhi visited New Dehli to continue his advocation for religious tolerance between Hindus and Muslims. During an event, he was fatally shot and killed by Nathuram Godse, a staunch Hindu who took great offence to Gandhi's message of Hindu tolerance for Muslims. This was a huge blow to the Indian peace effort. Immediately following his death, riots broke out in New Dehli. This further deepened the religious divide in India, a divide that has yet to be resolved. (Kyrtle, 208)