Gandhi Leads Salt March Against British Rule
March 12th, 1930
March 12th, 1930

How Long Ago?
95 years, 3 days ago
Location
Gujarat, India
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Vallabhbhai Patel
Links & References
Tags
Gandhi Leads Salt March Against British Rule
Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Salt March, a 240-mile journey to the Arabian Sea, to defy the British monopoly on salt in India. Starting in Sabarmati Ashram, thousands joined him, symbolizing a unified resistance against colonial laws. The march aimed to assert Indian rights and the need for self-sufficiency, drawing international attention to the Indian independence movement.
Gandhi's Salt March was 240 miles long.
Started at Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.
It challenged British salt laws in India.
The event galvanized national independence efforts.
What Happened?
Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March commenced from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12, 1930, marking a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement. Over the course of approximately 240 miles (around 386 kilometers), Gandhi and his followers traveled towards the coastal village of Dandi, where they would produce salt from seawater as a direct act of defiance against British regulations prohibiting Indians from collecting or selling salt independently. This march was not just a tactical move against economic policies imposed by British colonial rule, but a symbolic act representing the broader struggle for rights, dignity, and self-determination. The British government had monopolized salt production, imposing taxes that burdened the poor, making salt a visible symbol of colonial exploitation. Gandhi's leadership inspired thousands to join the movement, culminating in a massive demonstration of unity and resolve in the face of oppression.
As they marched, crowds grew, reflecting the discontent with British authority. Each step of the journey resonated with cries for freedom and self-governance. Upon reaching Dandi, Gandhi infamously picked up a lump of salt, thereby violating the law and establishing a powerful statement of nonviolent resistance. This bold move ignited the Salt Satyagraha, encouraging widespread protests against British rule across India. Gandhi's methodology of nonviolent civil disobedience galvanized support from various segments of society, making the struggle for independence an ever more inclusive movement that now featured diverse Indian voices raising against colonial rule. It encouraged collective action and sparked significant civil unrest, leading to mass arrests of protestors, including Gandhi himself.
Why Does it Matter?
The Salt March significantly influenced the trajectory of India's fight for independence from British rule. It elevated grassroots participation in the independence movement, showcasing the power of nonviolent resistance. This event captured worldwide attention, bringing moral scrutiny to British colonial practices and solidifying Gandhi's status as a central figure in the global struggle for civil rights and freedoms. The Salt March demonstrated that even ordinary citizens could challenge an empire through collective action, inspiring future movements for justice and independence worldwide.
Discover More Historic Events from March 12th
US Suspends Travel from Europe Amid COVID-19 Crisis
In March 2020, President Donald Trump announced the suspension of travel from 26 European countries to the United States for a period of 30 days. This decision, aimed at curbing the rapid spread of COVID-19, took effect on March 13, 2020. It applied to countries within the Schengen Area, which includes most of Western Europe. The announcement raised significant concerns and led to widespread reactions across the globe, impacting thousands of travelers and escalating measures to contain the virus in the U.S. The focus was on protecting public health and managing the emerging pandemic.
Continue ReadingUK Parliament Rejects Revised EU Withdrawal Bill
The House of Commons voted on a revised EU Withdrawal Bill that aimed to finalize the terms of the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. A total of 149 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted against the bill, reflecting deep divisions within the government and Parliament over Brexit. This rejection came amidst ongoing debates concerning trade agreements, citizens' rights, and the impact on the Northern Ireland border. The outcome underscored the political challenges facing Prime Minister Boris Johnson's administration.
Continue ReadingUS-Bangla Airlines Flight 211 Fatal Crash
US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211 crashed while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The aircraft, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, was approaching the airport when it lost control, resulting in a significant accident that killed 51 people and injured 20 others. The crash highlights challenges in aviation safety in the region and raised questions over air traffic management and pilot training.
Continue ReadingGas Explosion in East Harlem Kills Eight
A gas explosion occurred in East Harlem, New York City, causing the destruction of two residential buildings and resulting in the tragic deaths of eight individuals. The explosion injured approximately 70 others and was attributed to a gas leak. The impact led to extensive emergency response efforts and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding infrastructure safety and maintenance.
Continue ReadingFukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Explosion
A reactor explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant occurred following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, leading to significant radioactivity release. The event unfolded amid a series of reactor failures, prompting urgent evacuation orders and extensive emergency responses from authorities and international organizations.
Continue ReadingBernie Madoff Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges
Bernard Madoff, an influential financier, pleaded guilty in New York to charges of conducting one of the largest frauds in Wall Street's history. Facing 11 charges, including securities fraud and investment advisor fraud, Madoff admitted to running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of investors of billions of dollars. The scheme, which began in the 1960s, unraveled dramatically, leading to significant scrutiny of financial regulations and Wall Street practices. His admission sent shockwaves across the financial world, raising questions about oversight.
Continue Reading