Important Terms Flashcards
Terms Quiz Study
What was the First Anglo-Boer War (1880-1881), and who was a key figure in it?
A conflict between the British Empire and the Boer Republics (Transvaal and Orange Free State). Key figure: Paul Kruger, President of the South African Republic/Transvaal.
What were the two major mineral discoveries in South Africa during the late 19th century, and how did they impact the region?
- Kimberley Diamond Rush (1867): Led to British annexation of Griqualand West.
- Witwatersrand Gold Rush (1886): Transformed the Transvaal economy and intensified British interest in the region.
Who was Cecil Rhodes, and what role did he play in South African history?
A British imperialist, mining magnate, and Prime Minister of the Cape Colony (1890-1896). Advocated for British expansion in Southern Africa.
What was the Jameson Raid (1895), and what were its consequences?
A failed British-backed raid on the Transvaal, led by Leander Starr Jameson. It increased tensions between the British and Boers.
What was the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), and what was its outcome?
A conflict between the British Empire and the Boer Republics. Outcome: British victory; Boer republics annexed into the British Empire.
What was the Treaty of Vereeniging (1902), and what were its terms?
Ended the Second Anglo-Boer War. Terms: Boer republics became British colonies; Afrikaners promised eventual self-government.
What was the significance of the Union of South Africa (1910)?
Unification of Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State. Excluded Black South Africans from political participation.
What was the Native Land Act (1913), and why was it significant?
Restricted Black land ownership to 7% of South Africa’s land. Laid the foundation for apartheid.
What was the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), and when was it founded?
Later renamed the African National Congress (ANC). Founded in 1912 to oppose racial discrimination and advocate for Black rights.
What was the Rand Rebellion (1922), and what did it highlight?
A white miners’ strike against wage cuts and the use of Black labor. Highlighted racial tensions in the labor force.
Who was J.B.M. Hertzog, and what were his policies?
Afrikaner nationalist Prime Minister (1924-1939). Promoted Afrikaner interests and segregationist policies.
What was the significance of the National Party victory in 1948?
Marked the formalization of apartheid as state policy under Prime Minister D.F. Malan.
What were some key apartheid laws passed in the 1950s?
- Population Registration Act (1950): Classified South Africans by race.
- Group Areas Act (1950): Segregated residential areas.
- Bantu Education Act (1953): Established inferior education for Black South Africans.
What was the Defiance Campaign (1952), and who were its leaders?
ANC-led protests against apartheid laws. Key figures: Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Albert Luthuli.
What was the Sharpeville Massacre (1960), and what were its consequences?
Police killed 69 protesters during a demonstration against pass laws. Led to the banning of the ANC and PAC.
What was the Rivonia Trial (1963-1964), and who was its most famous defendant?
Trial of ANC leaders, including Nelson Mandela, for sabotage. Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment.
What were Bantustans, and what was their purpose?
Ethnically defined territories for Black South Africans. Aimed to deny Black South Africans citizenship in ‘white’ South Africa.
What was the Soweto Uprising (1976), and why did it occur?
Protests against the imposition of Afrikaans in schools. Police killed hundreds of students. Key figure: Hector Pieterson.
Who was Steve Biko, and what was the Black Consciousness Movement?
A leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, which advocated for Black pride and self-reliance. Biko died in police custody in 1977.
What was PW Botha’s ‘Total Strategy’?
A militarized response to resistance, combining limited reforms with harsh repression.
What was the United Democratic Front (UDF, 1983), and who was a key figure in it?
A coalition of anti-apartheid groups. Key figure: Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
What was the significance of F.W. de Klerk’s presidency (1989-1994)?
He announced the end of apartheid, released Nelson Mandela, and initiated negotiations for a democratic South Africa.
What was CODESA, and what was its purpose?
The Convention for a Democratic South Africa (1991-1993), a multi-party negotiation process to draft a new constitution.
What happened in the 1994 elections, and who became President?
First multi-racial democratic elections. ANC won a majority; Nelson Mandela became President.
What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?
A post-apartheid body established to address human rights violations and promote reconciliation.
