World War II History | Gandhi’s Letters To Adolf Hitler [December 24th, 1940]

Gandhi was an Indian activist who denounced British rule but abhorred the concept of violence and once said “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”

Prior to World War Two, Gandhi attempted to reach out to Adolf Hitler in hopes of preventing the war to come. He writes to Hitler saying how it is he alone that has the power to prevent destruction and turning humans into a “savage state”. Gandhi then later writes a much longer letter; however, both letters are intercepted by British authority and never reach Germany or Hitler’s desk. The words go unheard …


Dear friend,


It is quite clear that you are today the one person in the world who can prevent a war which may reduce humanity to the savage state. Must you pay the price for an object however worthy it may appear to you to be? Will you listen to the appeal of one who has seliberately [sic] shunned the method of war not without considerable success? Any way I anticipate your forgiveness, if I have erred in writing to you.

I remain,
Your sincere friend









I am,
Your sincere friend,





12 thoughts on “World War II History | Gandhi’s Letters To Adolf Hitler [December 24th, 1940]

    • It would be nice to think that perhaps it would have but honestly. I don’t think Hitler seeing these letter would have made one difference especially when Hitler was once quoted saying he didn’t understand why the British didn’t just shoot Gandhi for being such a huge thorn in their side. It is interesting though that Gandhi tried. At least he said something however futile it was!

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  1. I didn’t know this happened. Of course even if Hitler had seen these letters it wouldn’t have made one bit of difference. But- it is interesting -and tells a lot about Gandhi that he made an attempt at reasoning with a madman.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I think you nailed it on the head about why I wanted to share this post. Yes the letter was futile and Hitler wouldn’t have cared; however, as you said, it is interesting and offers some insight into the people during this period. Its quite funny he did try to reason with a madman because that same man was once quoted saying he didn’t understand why the British didn’t just shoot Gandhi for being such a thorn in their side. Quite ironic right?

      Liked by 1 person

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