What are some historical instances of when individuals or groups went hungry, either because they were forced to or because they wanted to make a statement?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_strike
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "hunger strikes" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunger_strike
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Whunger.htm
There are more sites.
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps.
Gandhi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi
Cesar Chavez: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Chavez
And many others...
Polish Jews during WWII:
http://www.google.com/search?q=polish+jews+starvation+wwii&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Biafra: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biafra
And many others...
There have been several historical instances where individuals or groups went hungry, either as a result of coercion or as a means to make a statement. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Hunger Strikes in the Suffragette Movement: During the early 20th century, suffragettes (women advocating for the right to vote) in the United Kingdom engaged in hunger strikes while imprisoned. This was a form of protest against their unequal treatment and lack of political rights. By refusing food, they aimed to draw attention to their cause and put pressure on the government to grant women's suffrage.
To find more information about this, you can search for specific suffragette hunger strikes such as those led by Emmeline Pankhurst, Emily Davison, or the suffragettes imprisoned in Holloway Prison.
2. Fasting Protest against British Rule in India: Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement, employed various nonviolent tactics to oppose British rule. One of his most prominent methods was fasting. Gandhi undertook several hunger strikes, including the famous Salt March in 1930, as a way to mobilize Indian masses and protest against unjust British policies.
To learn more about Gandhi's fasting protests and their significance in India's struggle for independence, you can explore his autobiography "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" or search for specific hunger strikes like the Salt March or the fasts held in Yerwada Central Jail.
3. Hunger Strikes during the Irish Republican Movement: Hunger strikes have played a significant role in Irish history, particularly during the 20th century. One key example is the 1981 hunger strike carried out by Irish Republican prisoners in Northern Ireland's Maze Prison. Led by Bobby Sands, the prisoners refused food to protest against the British government's policy of treating them as ordinary criminals rather than political prisoners.
For more information on the Irish Republican hunger strikes, including Bobby Sands' hunger strike and the broader context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, you can refer to books like "Bobby Sands: Nothing But an Unfinished Song" or explore documentaries and other sources specifically focused on this period.
Remember, when researching historical instances of hunger strikes, it is essential to explore multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events, their causes, and their impacts.