Radicalisation of Resistance and the Consolidation of the National Party Power - Topic 2.3 Flashcards
The causes for the radicalisation of African nationalism
How did armed struggle develop in South Africa?
1961-1968
After the banning of the ANC, the ability for the ANC to operate peacefully made it more certain that the party would move towards armed struggle. The Treason Trial meant the ANC had to be presented as a group that weren’t going to violently overthrow the government. The CP were the first to adopt armed struggle with some members of the CP being affiliated with the ANC. In June 1961, the ANC moved to armed struggle.
What is MK?
uMkhonto weSizwe - the paramilitary wing of the ANC formed after the Sharpeville massacre, however it was not formally a part of either the ANC or the CP.
Zulu for ‘Spear of the Nation’
How did the formation of MK change the ANC’s armed struggle?
With MK’s communist links, the Soviets could provide financial contribution while countries like East Germany provided training and education. MK would attack strategic sites instead of places where loss of life was a risk. The ANC were now more able to fight against their suppression while being able to protect themselves from any ties to MK.
What was Poqo?
The Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA) - the paramilitary wing of the PAC who used similar tactics to the Mau Mau in Kenya
Xhosa for ‘Pure’
What was Poqo’s aims and their impact?
A movement among migrant workers, the PAC had little control. Poqo justified violence against whites to maintain Africanist ideology. Relatively few whites were killed in Poqo campaigns despite being not committed to selective sabotage of non-human targets. They were an expression of radical African nationalism. Unlike MK, Poqo didn’t have the same connections to fund their struggle. In addition, Poqo had no physical base in South Africa or adjacent, they had little training.
What was the importance of the Rivonia Trial?
Ten important figures in the ANC and MK were on trial for a year where they were accused of recruiting fighters, attempting to commit sabotage and having links with communists. The government had managed to finally neutralise Mandela and others by sending them to Robben Island which resulted in any communication being limited and censored.
Why was the Rivonia Trial significant for Nelson Mandela?
Mandel used the wide-spread coverage of the trial to continue to sprout the message of ANC armed struggle and political courage. He used the time to talk about the suffering of Africans in the country.
By neutralising Mandela, he could no longer lead MK and he became incredibly isolated from the outside world. His imprisonment however would start the ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ movement which would become monumentous in the 80s.
What impact did the exile and imprisonment of both the ANC and PAC have?
Tambo was forced to go abroad and win international support. He travelled widely in Europe and Africa and addressed the UN. The UN now called for the release of political prisoners in South Africa. Tambo’s travels gave the ANC greater legitimacy on the world stage and more countries began to fund the party, such as the USSR and Sweden. However, there was limited leadership within the country and so organisation opposition became dangerous and difficult and stifled any efforts made by either parties.
How did the growth of the AAM help oppose the Nationalists?
The Anti-Apartheid Movement took people from Anglican backgrounds in South Africa who had previously served in impoverished black areas of the country, Labour and Liberal MPs in the UK and many activists who opposed colonialism and white rule more generally. As more exiles came to the UK, the movement grew. E.S. Reddy, an Indian working for the UN helped garner support amongst new African and Asian states and headed the first Special Committee against Apartheid. The Swedish government gave direct support to the AAM and other countries housed other AAM operations.
How did the focus on sport boycotts impact South Africa?
After leaving the Commonwealth, South Africa could no longer send athletes to the games, FIFA banned South Africa in 1963 and the IOC banned the country in 1964. The AAM played a key role in this effort. The boycotts were now attacking issues dear to white South African hearts. Depsite Basil D’Oliveira’s initial exclusion from the touring English cricket team in 1968, after being admitted onto the team, Vorster then refused the tour to take place. This began to now effect Britain at home.
