Discovering History 20th Century Biographies:World Statesmen ...

20th Century Biographies: World Statesmen
Teacher’s Guide
Q: In your opinion, during a time of war or other national crisis, what qualities do people look for
in their leaders?
A: Answers will vary.
Post-viewing question
Q: In your opinion, what leadership qualities did Prime Minister Winston Churchill exhibit that
rallied and sustained the people of Great Britain during World War II?
A: Answers should include Churchill’s own personal courage and determination, his eloquent and
stirring speeches, and his skill in matters of military strategy.
IV. Mohandas Gandhi (6 min.)
Advocating nonviolent resistance to injustice, Mohandas Gandhi became India’s dominant political
figure during the 1920s. Learn how his strategy of passive resistance brought an end to British rule
of India.
Pre-viewing question
Q: What is passive resistance? Is it always an effective tool for change, or are there certain
conditions under which this approach would not be effective?
A: Passive resistance is a method of nonviolent protest against laws or policies in order to force a
change or secure concessions. Answers to the follow-up question will vary.
Post-viewing question
Q: Why was Mohandas Gandhi’s use of passive resistance effective against the British in India?
A: Answers may include that the British were decent people who believed in the ideals of
individual liberty and democracy, though it took them a while to extend these ideals to non-British,
nonwhite people. Gandhi’s nonviolent tactics could succeed because his British opponents had a
basic respect for human rights as well as moral values and ideals that were not at odds with those
of the pacifists. The British also were rational—capable of understanding the logic of Gandhi’s
position—and did not equate nonviolence with weakness.
V. Ralph Bunche (3 min.)
Scholar, statesman, and undersecretary general of the United Nations, Dr. Ralph Bunche was a
spokesperson for peace and equality. Learn about his international efforts as well as his work in
civil rights in America.
Pre-viewing question
Q: What is a diplomat? What skills and characteristics do you think would be most important for a
diplomat to possess?
A: A diplomat is an official engaged in international negotiations. Answers to the follow-up
question will vary.
Published by Discovery Education. © 2006. All rights reserved.
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