1. Gandhi was a very inspirational leader. How did he motivate people to follow him and would these same techniques work today? Are there leaders that invoke the same ideals?
2. For Gandhi, the concept of civil disobedience was extremely important. In what ways is it more powerful than guns? What are it’s drawbacks, that is, in what types of situations is it not appropriate?
3. Early on, Gandhi did support the British war effort. Is this inconsistent with the concept of nonviolent civil disobedience? Why or why not?
4. Gandhi said, “English factories make the clothes that make our poverty.” What does he mean by this and what are it’s implications as they relate to globalization?
5. Explain the following quote and relate it to situations today: “An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.”
6. In a world that seems to prize action and reaction, explain the power of using peace to respond to action.
7. What was Gandhi’s response to unjust laws? 8. Why did Gandhi like to have the news media present during his demonstrations? 9. Why did millions of Indians no longer have work? What did Gandhi do about it? 10. When India gained its independence from Great Britain, who started fighting? 11. What tactic did Gandhi used to stop fighting and violence among his own people? 12. What made Gandhi such a unique person? 13. Why did British attempts to control India fail? 14. Pick out your favorite quote from Gandhi and explain what the quote means to you? 15. How is Indian culture different from American culture? Give at least two examples.
16. Some people call Gandhi a “charismatic leader”. What does that mean? Why did people want to follow him?
17. What kinds of injustice did Gandhi confront during his lifetime?
18. One of Gandhi’s nonviolent methods was fasting. Do you think his fasting was effective? Explain.
19. How did Gandhi die? When did he die?
20. How do you think the world would have changed if Gandhi’s message could have been known worldwide with news channels and internet?
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