Sharpeville Flashcards
When did the Sharpeville massacre take place?
21 March 1960
How did the nature of resistance change after 1960?
Prior to the Sharpeville Massacre, the anti-Apartheid organisations had followed non-violent/passive resistance in their strategies to bring about the end of apartheid. The events of 21 March and the subsequent government repression forced the ANC and PAC to decide whether to “submit or fight”. The decision to embark on an armed struggle in 1961 changed the nature of resistance in South Africa.
What is a turning point?
The time when very important changes start to happen.
How was the PAC formed?
Most members of the ANC believed people of all races should work together to end apartheid. Some members however felt that blacks should fight their struggles on their own. They disagreed with the non-racial approach of the ANC and promoted an Africanist approach. They also felt that peaceful resistance had not worked and that more action was needed to bring about change.
What is the definition of Africanist?
Working with other Africans to promote African identity, unity and needs.
When was the Pan-Africanist Congress formed?
1959
Who led the PAC?
Robert Sobukwe.
What was one of the main causes of the Sharpeville Massacre?
Having to carry Passbooks
What did the PAC and ANC do in 1960 in an attempt for the government to withdraw the pass laws?
In 1960 the PAC and ANC planned campaigns against the pass laws all over the country. The campaigns asked people to go to the nearest police station and burn their passes as a sign of protest. If they were all arrested, then the jails would be full. This would have a bad effect on the economy and they hoped this would force the government to withdraw the pass laws.
What happened on the 21 March 1960?
Large crowds gathered in Townships around Vereeniging, and in other places such as Langa and Nyanga outside Cape Town. The largest protest was organised by the PAC at Sharpeville, where about 5000 protesters went to the police station to hand in their passes. It was a peaceful protest, but the police shot at the protestors and 69 people were killed. Over 180 were injured. On the same day, 2 people were shot by the police at an anti pass protest at Langa near Cape Town.
What happened soon after the Sharpeville massacre?
The government declared a state of emergency. This gave the police and army extra powers to crush resistance. It banned the ANC and the PAC, and arrested thousands of people.
What was the ANC’s armed wing called?
Umkhonto we sizwe (spear of the nation)
What was the PAC’s armed wing called?
Poqo
What law banned the ANC and PAC?
Unlawful organizations act
