ence behind him. As we can see, Gandhi had transformed into a leader on his own. He fought for what he believed in despite his early fears. He won the support and respect with many Indians and also Englishmen. He turned from a lawyer to a leader. With his knowledge, patience, and leadership he lead India to independence. What he learned in South Africa was vital to accomplish what he did in India.Gandhi was welcomed as a hero in Bombay. He no longer wore western clothing and no longer spoke English. He spoke in his native language of Gujarati. For a year he toured the country, speaking on religious and social matters. Outside the city of Ahmedabad, Gandhi founded the Satyagraha Ashram, a community committed to nonviolence and service to others. He wanted to end the caste system. He disliked the position of the untouchables. They were also human, but were required to do the dirtiest work and weren’t allowed to enter in temples. He brought a family of untouchables into the ashram and referred to them as Harijans, which means “Children of G-d”. Gandhi successfully led the workers of the province of Bihar in a nonviolent campaign against the unjust demands of British landowners. He carried out a fast, threatening to starve himself if his demands weren’t met. This action led to better wages and conditions for small workers. He always appealed to his opponents’ sense of right and wrong. During World War I, he helped recruit Indian soldiers for the British Army. He hoped that service would help lead to freedom for India after the war. Instead, Britain passed harsh laws preventing India from becoming a self-governing country. When Gandhi heard of the harsh new laws passed, he called on all Indians to suspend business for a day of national, nonviolent protest, including fasting, prayer and public meetings. But the troops in Delhi killed nine people, and when Gandhi reached the city, he was arr...
