Freedom fighter facts for kids
A freedom fighter is someone who believes their people or group are not truly free. They work to gain freedom for their group. This often means they want their people to have their own country and be independent. Or, they want to get rid of people or groups who are controlling them unfairly. People who think this way are sometimes called nationalists.
The term "freedom fighter" is a bit like looking at something from a certain point of view. This means whether someone calls a person a "freedom fighter" depends on what they believe. It's usually a positive term. People use it when they support the goals of that person or group.
If people do not support their goals, they might use different words. They might call them an insurgent, a terrorist, a rebel, or even a criminal. For example, opponents might call freedom fighters "terrorists" if they harm regular people who are not involved in fighting.
However, not all freedom fighters harm civilians. Some focus on damaging the opposing military. Others might damage property, which is called sabotage. There are also many freedom fighters who do not use any violence at all. Famous examples include Mahatma Gandhi and the Dalai Lama. They used peaceful methods to fight for freedom.
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Famous Freedom Fighters
Many people throughout history are seen as freedom fighters. They fought for the rights and independence of their people.
Leaders Who Fought for Independence
- William Wallace (Scotland): A Scottish knight who led his people in wars for independence from England in the late 1200s.
- William the Silent (Netherlands): He led the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule in the 1500s. This led to the independence of the Netherlands.
- George Washington (United States): He was a general who led the American colonies to independence from Great Britain in the late 1700s. He later became the first president of the United States.
Leaders Who Fought for Rights and Freedom
- Mahatma Gandhi (India): He was a lawyer and activist who led India to independence from British rule. He used non-violent methods like peaceful protests and civil disobedience.
- Nelson Mandela (South Africa): He fought against apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid was a system that separated people by race and gave white people more rights. Mandela spent many years in prison for his activism. He later became South Africa's first black president.
- The Dalai Lama (Tibet): He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He has worked peacefully for the freedom of Tibet from Chinese rule. He once said, "We are freedom fighters unique in our peaceful approach to liberation."
Native American Leaders
Several Native American leaders are also seen as freedom fighters. They defended their lands and way of life against outside forces.
- Sitting Bull: A Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies.
- Red Cloud: An Oglala Lakota chief who led a successful war against the United States Army in the 1860s. This war was fought over control of the Powder River Country.
- Touch the Clouds: A Miniconjou Lakota chief and warrior. He was known for his bravery and for fighting alongside Sitting Bull.
