Martin Luther King was highly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience. Gandhi's success in India through nonviolent protests and civil disobedience inspired King to adopt a similar approach in the American Civil Rights Movement. King believed that nonviolent resistance and love could disarm opponents, appeal to their sense of morality, and bring about positive social change.
2) Mass civil disobedience:
Gandhi effectively employed mass civil disobedience campaigns to challenge oppressive laws and policies. King, inspired by Gandhi's methods, organized and led numerous nonviolent protests such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches, which aimed to confront segregation and discrimination head-on.
3) Moral force and moral persuasion:
Gandhi emphasized the importance of moral reasoning and moral persuasion as tools to pressure oppressors into accepting change. King embraced this approach, focusing on appealing to the conscience of the nation, the American public, and those in power. His speeches and writings highlighted the moral dimension of the Civil Rights struggle, aiming to convince people of the unjust nature of segregation and racial inequality.
4) Unity and solidarity:
Gandhi's ability to unite diverse groups under a common cause made a deep impression on King. King recognized the power of collective action and the need to build solidarity among different sectors of society. He sought to create a broad coalition that included various religious, labor, and civil rights organizations to amplify the power of their collective struggle.
5) The importance of personal conduct and self-sacrifice:
Gandhi stressed the significance of personal integrity and self-discipline among activists. King adopted this principle, encouraging personal change alongside social change. He inspired his followers to live by the nonviolent principles they fought for, setting a personal example of courage and commitment.