African Nationalism (1948-59) Flashcards
Define grass-roots support
Backing at a local level
When was the South African Indian Congress founded?
1919
Define passive resistance
Non-violent opposition
What were trade unions?
Worker-based organisations which aimed to improve the working conditions for their members and sometimes became involved in anti-apartheid activities.
Define civil disobedience
Refusal to follow the law, such as refusing to carry passed.
Who was Walter Sisulu?
Anti-apartheid activist and long-time associate of Nelson Mandela, whom he shared 27 years imprisonment with on Robben island: founder of ANC Youth League.
When was the Communist Party of South Africa founded and what was their primary aim?
1921
To unite trade unions from all races on a basis of class rather than race.
When was the Suppression of Communism Act?
1950
How many miners went on strike in 1946?
100,000
What was the All African Convention?
A meeting between all non-white groups in 1935 where 400 delegates met in Bloemfontein to discuss loyalty to SA while opposing segregation.
What were the points for the ANCYL Programme of Action and when were these formed?
1949
- The rejection of white domination in South Africa.
- A pro-African policy, which meant supporting African nationalism both within SA and in liberation campaigns against colonialism throughout the continent.
- The assertion of pride in being African in the face of white assertions of racism and African inferiority.
- Demand for mass and direct action to oppose apartheid.
When was the Defiance campaign?
1952
Describe the two stages of the defiance campaign?
Initial stage: local protests in which supporters would break te law e.g. refusing to carry passes and invite themselves to be arrested. Had the idea that the number of people being arrested would exceed the authority’s ability to cope and show the weight of opposition to apartheid.
Extension: Mass defiance with nationwide strikes and protests.
How many people attended the inaugural meeting for the Defiance Campaign?
10,000
How did membership of the ANC increase after the Defiance Campaign?
4,000 > 10,000
How many people were arrested during the Defiance Campaign?
8500
What were the main successes of the Defiance Campaign?
- Allowed the ANC to become a mass organisation lead by committed and experienced activists.
- Allowed the ANC to embarrass the government by tactics of non-participation in their policies and laws and establish a long-term goal to abolish apartheid.
How many women marched on Pretoria in 1956 and why were they protesting?
20,000 women bearing 100,000 signatures.
They were protesting against Women’s pass laws.
What was the Black Sash movement and what did they do?
Radical white protest group
- Supported African women in protesting against pass laws
- Opened advice centres for non-whites
- Arranged for bail for women who were arrested and otherwise would be unable to return home to look after children
- Built pool of lawyers who would represent African women for minimal fees
When was the Freedom Charter presented?
1954
How many people attended the people’s congress?
3000
What was the potato boycott and in what years?
1957-59
ANC sponsored boycott on buying potatoes because of the harsh conditions endured by potato workers. As potatoes rot quickly and they stockpiled up as people refused to buy them. In August 1959, farmers began to improve working conditions so boycott was a success.
When was the Pan-Africanist Congress formed?
1957
Who was Potlako Leballo?
Radical Africanist who succeeded Sobuke as leader of the PAC.
What were the beliefs of the PAC?
- The willingness of the ANC to work with other groups caused its failures.
- Against the Freedom Charter as it emphasised equal rights
- Black Africans could only act successfully by themselves
How many more members did the PAC have in 1959 than the ANC?
25,000 more
What were the Public Safety Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act and when were they passed?
1953 (in response to the Defiance Campaign)
Increased penalties and allowed for stricter enforcement of the law for those who purposely went against it.
What was the Suppression of Communism Act and when was it passed?
1950
Outlawed the South Africa Communist Party and all other groups which could be identified by the government as communist.
What was the Ritious Assembly Act and when was it passed?
1956
Banned gatherings if they were deemed by the Minister of Justice to endanger Public Peace.
