Page 28 - India

Independence

Control of India still belonged to the British government. But, the

Indians wanted to rule themselves. In 1885, the India National Congress
was formed. It was a political party that fought against British rule. The

All-India Muslim League was also formed. This group fought for the

rights of Muslims. They wanted their own nation. The British talked
about giving Indians control. At the same time, they passed laws that

took away Indians’ rights.

Mohandas Gandhi (mo-HAWN-duhs GAWN-dee) was a lawyer
from a wealthy Hindu family. He dedicated his life to fighting for India’s

independence from Britain.

He used nonviolent ways of
fighting. He gave speeches

and held marches.
On August 15, 1947,

India gained independence.

Gandhi lived to see this.
Sadly, a fellow Hindu shot

him. He died in 1948.
In 1950, a new

constitution was developed.

India had a free, independent
government.

Celebrating India’s
26 Independence Day