Mahatma Ghandi practiced non-violent civil disobedience and was assassinated shortly after India gained independence. Nelson Mandela worked to end apartheid in South Africa, drawing influence from Ghandi but later believing violence was necessary, and became the country's first black president after being released from over 27 years in prison, including hard labor on Robben Island.

1. Mahatma Ghandi & Nelson Mandela By: Samantha Baker August 8, 2010