Gandhi's Impact Of British Colonialism And British Imperialism

What occurs when a nation has both the capacity to create peace and unity and also has the power to oppress an entire people? This situation was one of actuality as exemplified in the case of British imperialism and colonialism. With the introduction of the Industrial Revolution spearheading British Imperialism, conflicts arise with the influence they actually have on those whom they guide and govern. Baba, a 19th century woman in what is now modern day Nigeria, said “Ever since we were quite small the malams [Muslim scholars] had been saying that the Europeans would come with a thing called a train, they would come with a thing called a motor-car... They would stop wars, they would repair the world, they would stop oppression and lawlessness, we should live at peace with them” (Duiker p. 634). While the malams could not see the future of what was to come, they were making predictions based on the potential that the Europeans had to offer. They saw that with this new

As is common with colonial rule, those who are being ruled over often do not receive the same rights and freedoms as those that are ruling. We see this from the colonization of the Americas, Africa, etc. The same rings true when considering that of India. There were many things that occurred that limited the freedoms of the people in India. The first is the passing of the Rowlatt Act. This act, as Gandhi puts it, was a “continuation of the wartime rigours” (Gandhi p. 128). This act essentially allowed the government to arrest anyone without a trial for up to two years. Meanwhile, others legislative bills and acts were passed such as the Press Act in essence imposed strict censorship on all publications as seen fit by the local governments along with others such as the proclamation on April 12, 1919 “prohibiting processions and meetings” (Gandhi p.