Anti-apartheid movement

Definition

The anti-apartheid movement was a global campaign against the system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa, which was enforced by the National Party government from 1948 until the early 1990s. This movement involved a diverse range of actors, including South African activists, international organizations, and foreign governments, all united in their goal to dismantle apartheid and promote equality and justice for all South Africans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The anti-apartheid movement gained significant momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to increased international awareness and condemnation of apartheid policies.
2. Key strategies included protests, boycotts, and divestment campaigns aimed at isolating South Africa economically and politically on the global stage.
3. The Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where police killed 69 peaceful protesters, became a turning point that intensified global outrage against apartheid.
4. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, symbolizing a major victory for the anti-apartheid movement and paving the way for negotiations to end apartheid.
5. The formal end of apartheid occurred with the country's first multiracial elections in 1994, marking a significant milestone in South Africa's history and the culmination of decades of activism.

Review Questions

• What were some key strategies employed by the anti-apartheid movement that helped garner international support?
  • The anti-apartheid movement utilized various strategies to gain international support, including organized protests, boycotts of South African goods, and calls for divestment from companies operating in South Africa. These actions raised awareness globally about the injustices of apartheid and put economic pressure on the South African government. The coordinated efforts of activists around the world played a critical role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing political action against apartheid.
• Discuss the significance of Nelson Mandela's release from prison in the context of the anti-apartheid movement's success.
  • Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990 marked a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid movement, symbolizing hope and the possibility of change within South Africa. His freedom was seen as a direct result of years of activism both domestically and internationally against apartheid. Mandela's leadership helped to unify various factions within the movement and facilitated negotiations that ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid laws and the establishment of a democratic government.
• Evaluate how global activism influenced the timeline and outcome of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
  • Global activism significantly influenced both the timeline and outcome of the anti-apartheid movement by amplifying voices against racial injustice in South Africa. International solidarity campaigns raised awareness through media coverage, cultural exchanges, and economic sanctions, effectively isolating the apartheid regime. The cumulative pressure exerted by countries, organizations, and activists around the world contributed to accelerating negotiations for ending apartheid, culminating in democratic elections in 1994. This interconnectedness between local struggles for justice and global advocacy illustrates how movements can transcend borders and effect substantial change.

Related terms

Nelson Mandela: A key leader of the anti-apartheid movement and the first Black president of South Africa, who played a pivotal role in ending apartheid and promoting reconciliation.

African National Congress (ANC): The main political party that led the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, which aimed to establish a democratic society based on equality and human rights.

Sanctions: Economic or political penalties imposed by countries or international organizations to pressure a state to change its policies, used as a tool against the apartheid regime.