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2025 Spring: Global II - Gandhi’s Salt March: Databases: Historical Newspapers

Newspaper Background

Accessing Library Resources from Home

When at home, the first time you use a library resource in your browser you will be redirected to a Gmail log-in screen in order to authenticate that you are a member of the Spence Community. To authenticate, enter your Spence email address and password. After you authenticate, you will be automatically directed to the database you select. You only need to authenticate once during a browsing session.

Evaluating Newspaper Articles

  1. What is the newspaper? (Feel free to google Newspaper History)
  2. Who is the author?
    1. Local Correspondent?
    2. News service (AP, Routers)?
    3. Anonymous (many newspapers did not provide bylines for reporters)
  3. Is the content factual or analytical (does it report facts or add opinions, ideas, or analysis by the author)?
  4. What date was it written (try to find two newspaper articles published close together)?

Search for Primary Source Newspaper Articles

Search Historical Newspapers using advanced search filters:

Remember to choose a “Specific Date Range” and limit to a specific start and end date.

UNITED STATES NEWSPAPERS

BRITISH NEWSPAPERS

After you have selected your article copy and paste the citation into your worksheet (click here for instructions).

Homework #2 Help: Creating a search string and locating relevant articles.

Searching the database ProQuest Historical Newspapers

Creating a Search String

Sample Newspapers

  1. These are examples of newspapers that are mainly quotes from Gandhi and facts. It doesn't contain any analysis of the Salt March and would not be a good selection for the project: 
    1. "Gandhi Letter To The Viceroy: India "Bled" By Great Britain Plan Oe Action To Defy Salt Tax From Next Tuesday." The Manchester Guardian, Mar 07, 1930.
    2. "The Independence Movement: Mr. Gandhi's Defence." The Times Of India (1861-2010), Mar 13, 1930.
  2. These are examples of articles with compact but good analysis and commentary by reporters about the events in India during the Salt March:
    1. "Curbing the Press." The Times of India, Apr 29, 1930.
    2. "The First Halt: Mr. Gandhi Not Return To Ashram Till "Swarah Is Won." The Times of India (1861-2010), Mar 13, 1930.

    3. "Mrs. Naidu Gets 9 Months in Jail for India Raid: Police Keep Procession of 200,000 Candhists from Entering Bombay Fort Area Gets 9-Month Jail Term." New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962), May 24, 1930. https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/mrs-naidu-gets-9-months-jail-india-raid/docview/1113739559/se-2.