Final answer:
Mahatma Gandhi differentiated between the English people and British colonial rule to strengthen his argument for Indian independence. He advocated for preserving India's cultural identity and supported non-violence and civil disobedience as means to oppose the unjust colonial government while not antagonizing the English populace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi's viewpoint towards the English people and British rule was distinguished by a clear separation. He saw the English people as separate from the oppressive system of British rule. In his efforts for Indian independence, Gandhi drew a clear line between the two.
By distinguishing between the two, he underlined that the conflict was with colonial policies, not with English individuals. This allowed for a more powerful argument that India's struggle was not against the English populace, but against the colonial administration that wielded power unjustly.
Gandhi's advocacy for self-rule and his criticism of merely replicating English institutions in India underscore his philosophy. He emphasized the need for India to have a home that is unique to its culture and heritage, coining the term 'Englistan' to warn against losing Indian identity. This notion of self-rule and preserving national character was central to Gandhi's argument for independence.
Through his policy of non-violence and civil disobedience, Gandhi demonstrated his commitment to his people over the colonial government. His stance was that obedience to the state should not come at the expense of lawful conduct and justice.
Gandhi used these principles as a means to empower Indians and affiliate his primary duty to them, rather than to a foreign ruler. His approach towards non-violent resistance and the concept of 'ahimsa' affirmed the power of peaceful protest over violent conflict, contradicting the idea that resistance must involve force.