Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule. He employed nonviolent civil disobedience and encouraged Indian citizens to resist colonial oppression through peaceful means. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or truth force, emphasized the power of nonviolent resistance to oppression. Gandhi's leadership inspired millions and played a crucial role in India's eventual independence in 1947. His approach also influenced civil rights movements worldwide, emphasizing social justice and equality through nonviolent means.