Presentation Transcript

1. The Struggle Against Apartheid

2. The National Party and Apartheid Policies 1948 – The Afrikaner National Party wins power as South Africa becomes independent. Apartheid is created: The lighter your skin, the more benefits you received. Four classes: White, Indian, Colored, Black Only whites could hold positions of authority in the government Public services will only be delivered in English or Afrikaans.
3. Resistance Begins Before Independence Early 1900s, 3 important resistance groups: Coloreds: African Political Organization Indians: South African Indian Congress Blacks: African National Congress
4. African National Congress (ANC) “educational, social, economic, and political elevation of the native people in South Africa”. Pledges to work within the law. The African Claims: Citizenship for all Africans Land ownership 1912 - 2012
5. African Youth League 1943: established by Nelson Mandela Young black men Wanted to unite the tribes of South Africa. Overthrow of the white government. Push the ANC to become more radical.
6. Resistance Begins From the beginning, South Africans of all races object to apartheid. African churches – black and white – preach against apartheid. Black Sash – organization of white women against apartheid.
7. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Anglican Bishop – called the “conscience of South Africa” Consistently advocates nonviolent resistance. Protected (partially) from retribution by apartheid government because of his status in the church. 1984 – before the end of apartheid – he is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Following end of apartheid, will head the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission.
8. The Cold War Interferes with Opposition Communist Party challenged the Afrikaner Nationalist Party. Communist Party support the African National Congress. Suppression of Communism Act: Bans political protest
9. The Freedom Charter By 1953, apartheid government has ordered Mandela to leave the ANC Mandela forms the Congress of the People Unifies both white and non-white anti-apartheid groups Issues the Freedom Charter
10. The Freedom Charter (1955) The people shall govern All national groups shall have equal rights The people shall share in the country`s wealth The land shall be shared among those who work it All shall be equal before the law All shall enjoy equal human rights There shall be work and security The doors of learning and culture shall be opened There shall be houses, security and comfort There shall be peace and friendship
11. 1956 Treason Trial Nelson Mandela and 156 others arrested. Trial lasted 4 years ANC splits Pan African Congress calls for protest Sharpeville Massacre Day of Mourning: Leaders burn their ID passes Mandela acquitted of treason, goes into hiding, uses disguises to evade capture.
12. Resistance turns to violence Mandela organizes sabotage campaign Umkhonto we Sizwe(Spear of the Nation) – underground organization that advocated violent resistance. Organization of African Unity: supports liberation throughout Africa.
13. Mandela Captured 1962: Mandela tried and sentenced to 5 years in prison. 1963: More charges added (for crimes that occurred while Mandela was in jail) 40 other resistance leaders already sentenced to death. 1964 – Trial in Rivonia: Mandela and 9 others tried for sabotage based upon evidence obtained from a raid on a farm that was an ANC hideout. Mandela sentenced to life in prison.
14. Statement from the Dock “This is the struggle of the African people, inspired by their own suffering and experience. It is a struggle for the right to live. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society, in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But, if needs be, my Lord, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Nelson Mandela, April 20, 1964
15. Robben Island Mandela Sentenced to life in prison. 16 of 27 years would be spent on Robben Island. Hard labor in the limestone quarry One visitor a year, for 30 minutes. One letter (written and received) every six months.
16. Robben Island "He always made the point, if they say you must run, insist on walking. If they say you must walk fast, insist on walking slowly.That was the whole point.We are going to set the terms." - Neville Alexander, fellow prisoner
17. Winnie Mandela Married Nelson Mandela in 1958 Became a prominent ANC leader during her husband’s imprisonment. Also imprisoned repeatedly for shorter sentances. Becomes a controversial figure due to her use of violence and a practice called necklacing. Mandela United Football Club – her bodyguards. 1991 conviction for kidnapping and murder. “Mother of South Africa”
18. Offers of release Mandela becomes a symbol to both South Africans and the world. 1973 – Apartheid government begins offering to release Mandela. “Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.” – Nelson Mandela, 1985 Demanded to remain in prison until all blacks and people of color in South Africa are free. 1988 – develops tuberculosis. Mandela is transferred off of Robben Island.
19. International Response 1952 – United Nations passes a resolution every year declaring apartheid “a crime against humanity.” United States remains South Africa’s main trading partner through the 1970s. American human rights protesters pressure U.S. companies to divest – cut off trade and investment .
20. South African Government Resists Change President P.W. Botha refuses to buckle to international pressure. Attempts to divide non-white communities, offers special privileges to those who abandon anti-apartheid movement. 1976 – orders education in Africaans Soweto Uprising Steven Biko – death in custody typical of increased police brutality.
21. Change begins 1988 President F.W. de Klerk elected. Inauguration: promises a nonviolent transition to a nonracial South Africa. 1990 Lifts ban on ANC, meets with Mandela. February 11, 1990: Nelson Mandela released from prison! 1991Mandela elected president of ANC 1993 Mandela and de Klerk awarded Nobel Prize 1994 Apartheid officially ends: South Africa adopts new constitution that guarantees all citizens equal rights.
22. 1994 Nelson Mandela becomes first black president of South Africa.
23. Truth and Reconciliation Commission Created in 1995 Replaced criminal charges for whites who committed human rights abuses with public confession and apology. Designed to help South Africans make peace, practice forgiveness, and move forward. Managed reparations – financial compensation - for any who were entitled to them. Helped to end racial hostility.