African National Congress

Definition

The African National Congress (ANC) is a political party in South Africa that played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government. Founded in 1912, the ANC evolved from advocating for the rights of black South Africans to leading a mass resistance movement that ultimately helped dismantle apartheid and promote equality and justice in South Africa.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ANC was founded in 1912 to unite African people and push for their rights within a racially segregated society.
2. The ANC initially aimed for moderate reforms but shifted to more radical strategies, including armed struggle, as apartheid intensified.
3. The organization gained international support in the 1980s, leading to economic sanctions against South Africa and increasing pressure on the apartheid government.
4. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after decades, and the ANC was legalized, marking a turning point in South Africa's transition to democracy.
5. The first multiracial elections in South Africa took place in 1994, resulting in the ANC winning a majority and Mandela becoming president.

Review Questions

• How did the goals and methods of the African National Congress evolve from its founding to the end of apartheid?
  • The goals of the African National Congress initially focused on seeking reform within a segregated society, but as apartheid became more oppressive, their methods shifted towards direct action and armed resistance. The Defiance Campaign in the 1950s showcased this transition by employing civil disobedience against unjust laws. Over time, the ANC recognized that international solidarity and pressure were essential, leading to a broader movement that combined grassroots activism with global advocacy against apartheid.
• Evaluate the significance of Nelson Mandela's leadership within the ANC and his role in South Africa's transition to democracy.
  • Nelson Mandela's leadership within the ANC was pivotal for both its internal cohesion and its external image during the struggle against apartheid. His ability to unite various factions within the ANC and advocate for reconciliation rather than retribution after his release from prison helped facilitate a peaceful transition to democracy. Mandela’s presidency not only symbolized a break from decades of racial oppression but also set a precedent for inclusive governance and nation-building in post-apartheid South Africa.
• Assess how the global response to apartheid influenced the actions of the African National Congress and its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
  • The global response to apartheid significantly impacted the strategies employed by the African National Congress. International condemnation and economic sanctions against South Africa rallied global support for the ANC, which increased pressure on the apartheid regime. This international solidarity allowed the ANC to garner resources and attention, enhancing its effectiveness. By leveraging global advocacy campaigns alongside local resistance efforts, the ANC successfully advanced its objectives and played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid.

Related terms

Apartheid:

A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government from 1948 to the early 1990s.

Nelson Mandela:

A prominent leader of the ANC who became the first black president of South Africa in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism.

Defiance Campaign: A coordinated movement launched by the ANC in 1952 to challenge apartheid laws through nonviolent civil disobedience and mass protests.