South Africa Flashcards
What is the slogan of South Africa’s African National Congress?
“One nation with many cultures.”
What is the current population of South Africa?
Over 59 million people
How many official languages does South Africa have?
11 official languages.
What is the current motto of South Africa?
“Diverse people unite.”
What major historical issue affected South Africa until 1990?
The long exclusion of black South Africans and Asian minorities from political and social life.
What are some of the key historical divisions in South Africa?
Divisions based on borders, ethnic groups (blacks, whites, colored, and Asians), and among whites themselves.
How is South Africa described today in terms of its history?
A new country still recovering from years of darkness and isolation.
Who were the original inhabitants of South Africa?
The San people, also known as the Bushmen by Europeans.
Who displaced the San people around 2000 years ago?
The Khoi-Khoi, who were farmers and called the Hottentots by Europeans.
What marked the transition from one age to another in early South African history?
The displacement of the San by the Khoi-Khoi.
What kind of lifestyle did the San people have?
They were hunter-gatherers living in harmony with their environment.
Who displaced the San people about 2000 years ago?
The Khoi-Khoi, also called Hottentots by Europeans.
What was the primary difference between the San and the Khoi-Khoi?
The San were hunter-gatherers, while the Khoi-Khoi were farmers.
Was the transition from San to Khoi-Khoi a clear-cut division?
No, it was gradual and marked a shift from one age to another.
Which other major tribes inhabited South Africa?
The Zulu and the Xhosa.
When did Bantu-speaking people arrive in South Africa?
Around the 8th century.
Where did the Bantu speakers originate from?
Central Africa.
What cultural aspects did the Bantu bring with them?
Their own traditions, political structures, and agricultural techniques.
What type of political systems did the Bantu-speaking people establish?
Chief-dominated communities.
What was a key social characteristic of these communities?
They practiced polygamy.
Which European seafarers were the first to regularly visit the South African coast?
The Portuguese in the early 1500s.
Why did the Portuguese not establish a colony in South Africa?
They used the region mainly as a stopover for their sea route to India but did not settle there.
Which European nation was the first to permanently settle in South Africa?
The Dutch
Who established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa?
Jan Van Riebeeck.
In what year did Jan Van Riebeeck establish the Dutch settlement?
1652.
What was the initial purpose of the Dutch settlement?
It was a provisioning station for ships traveling to India.
What was the name of the company that controlled the Cape Colony?
The Dutch East India Company (VOC - Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie).
Where was the first Dutch settlement established?
Table Bay.
When did Dutch settlers start receiving farmland from colonial authorities?
1657
What were the main agricultural products grown by the Dutch settlers?
Wine and wheat.
What name was given to the Dutch settlers who farmed the land?
Boers (Afrikaans for “farmers”).
What is the modern name for the descendants of the Dutch settlers?
Afrikaners
What was the impact of Dutch expansion on the indigenous San people?
Many were killed or forced to migrate to other regions.
What happened to the Khoi-Khoi under Dutch rule?
Some intermarried with Dutch settlers, while others became slaves.
Why did the Dutch begin importing slaves into South Africa?
To meet the increasing labor demands of the colony.
Which countries were the primary sources of slaves brought to South Africa?
India, Indonesia, and Madagascar.
What was the hinterland?
The inland regions of South Africa where Dutch settlers expanded.
What was the impact of Dutch settlers moving inland?
They dispossessed native tribes of their lands and imposed Dutch culture and religion.
How did the Dutch settlers maintain control over indigenous groups?
They used military force to crush any rebellions.
By the end of the 18th century, how was the Cape Colony structured socially?
It was a white-dominated society controlled by Dutch settlers.
Which European power would later challenge Dutch control over South Africa?
The British.
Why was the Cape Colony strategically important to the British?
It was a key route to India.
In what year did the British first take control of the Cape?
1795
What happened to the Dutch East India Company around this time?
It was declared bankrupt in 1796.
When did the British fully annex the Cape Colony?
1806
How did British rule change the Cape’s economy?
It ended the closed Dutch economic system and integrated the colony into Britain’s global trading empire.
What freedoms did the British introduce in the Cape Colony?
Freedom of the press (1820s).
How did the British improve conditions for Black and colored workers?
They called for better treatment of non-white laborers.
In what year did Britain abolish slavery in the Cape?
1835
What political reform did Britain introduce in 1853?
A representative government not based on race.
What further political change occurred in 1872?
Self-government was granted to the Cape Colony.
Why did the Boers oppose British rule?
They disliked British liberal policies, economic reforms, and political changes.
What major migration event did the Boers undertake in response?
The Great Trek.
Approximately how many Afrikaners participated in the Great Trek?
About 12,000
What was the purpose of the Great Trek?
To escape British control and find new lands.
What was the Great Trek?
The migration of Boers from the Cape Colony to the interior of South Africa to escape British rule.
Why did the Boers leave the Cape Colony?
They opposed British liberal policies, such as the abolition of slavery and political reforms.
Where did the Boers settle during the Great Trek?
In the interior of South Africa, on land occupied by native tribes.
Which African tribe resisted the Boers in Natal?
The Zulus.
What was the outcome of the Boer attempt to settle in Natal?
They were defeated by the Zulus and forced to retreat.
When did the British successfully annex Natal?
1843
When was the first Boer Republic established, and what was its name?
1852 – The Transvaal.
When was the second Boer Republic established, and what was its name?
1854 – The Orange Free State.
How did Britain respond to the creation of the Boer Republics?
They were forced to recognize them.
What type of political system did the Boer Republics adopt?
A conservative and authoritarian presidential system.
Which language was favored in the Boer Republics?
Dutch
What was the dominant religion in the Boer Republics?
Strict Calvinism.
What was the racial policy of the Boer Republics?
Institutionalized racial discrimination.
What European group, besides the Dutch, settled in the Boer Republics?
The Huguenots (French Protestants).
When did many Huguenots arrive in South Africa?
Around 1770.
What was the primary occupation of the Boers?
Farming
What language did the Boers speak?
Afrikaans, derived from Dutch.
What type of political system was established in the Cape Colony in 1853?
A parliamentary system.
How did the Cape Colony’s political system differ from that of the Boer Republics?
It opposed legal discrimination, while the Boer Republics upheld racial discrimination.
What was the main difference between the Cape Colony and the Boer Republics?
An ideological difference—liberalism vs. conservatism.
Where were diamonds first discovered in South Africa?
In the Kimberley area.
Where was gold discovered in South Africa?
In the Transvaal.
How did the discovery of mineral wealth impact British-Boer relations?
It intensified conflicts as both groups fought for control over diamond and gold regions.
Who were the Uitlanders, and why were they significant?
They were foreign (mainly British) prospectors who came to the Boer Republics seeking fortune, but were unwelcome by the Boers.
What major infrastructure was built as a result of the mineral discoveries?
Railways were constructed to transport gold and diamonds.
How did Britain secure control over the diamond-rich regions?
They annexed the diamond mining area bordering the Orange Free State in 1871.
What were the three main reasons for British expansion into South Africa?
- Control of trade routes to India (via the Cape of Good Hope).
- Desire to exploit the region’s mineral wealth.
- Competition with other European colonial powers.
What event in 1886 accelerated British interest in the Transvaal?
The Gold Rush.
Why did the British annex Transvaal in 1877?
To resolve the border dispute between the Boers and the Zulus and to prevent Transvaal from financial collapse.
How did the Zulus factor into the British-Boer conflicts?
The Zulus were a powerful military force, and some Boers welcomed British intervention against them.
What was the First Boer War?
A conflict between the Boers and the British over control of the Transvaal.
What was the main reason for the First Boer War?
The Boers wanted to regain independence after the British annexed Transvaal in 1877.
What key battle marked a major Boer victory?
The Battle of Majuba Hill (1881).
What was the outcome of the First Boer War?
Britain recognized Boer self-rule in Transvaal under British suzerainty.
What caused the Second Boer War?
British imperial ambitions, tensions over the gold rush, and Boer resistance to British influence.
What was Britain’s military strategy in the war?
A scorched earth policy, which included burning Boer farms and using concentration camps.
What were the conditions in British concentration camps?
Overcrowded, poor hygiene, and high mortality rates, particularly among women and children.
How did the war end?
The Boers surrendered, and the Treaty of Vereeniging (1902) made the Boer Republics part of the British Empire.
What happened to the Boer Republics after the Second Boer War?
They were incorporated into the British-controlled Union of South Africa in 1910.
How did the war impact British and Boer relations?
It deepened Boer resentment against British rule and reinforced Afrikaner nationalism.
What was a long-term effect of the Boer Wars?
The foundation for apartheid policies, as British and Boer elites later cooperated in suppressing Black South Africans.
What was another name for the First Boer War?
The Transvaal Rebellion.
Why do some scholars prefer the term “South African War”?
Because both white and Black South Africans were affected and participated in the conflicts.
What was the British colonial secretary’s proposal in 1875?
To create a South African Confederation under British control, similar to the Canadian Confederation of 1867.
What was Britain’s main motivation for unifying South Africa?
Economic integration and securing control over diamond and gold deposits.
How did the Boers initially respond to British annexation of Transvaal?
They adopted a policy of passive resistance.
When did the Boers shift to armed resistance?
December 1880, when it became clear that Britain would not reverse the annexation.
What triggered the start of the First Boer War?
The Boers launched an armed rebellion against British rule in Transvaal.
How did the British respond to the Boer uprising?
They sent troops from Britain to suppress the rebellion.
What was the outcome of the First Boer War?
The Boers defeated the British, forcing them to recognize Transvaal’s self-rule.
What was the final and decisive battle of the First Boer War?
The Battle of Majuba Hill (1881), where the British suffered a major defeat.
Who was the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony during the war?
Cecil Rhodes.
Who was the President of the Transvaal Republic at the time?
Paul Kruger.
How was Paul Kruger described?
As an aggressive nationalist who strongly resisted British control.
What role did Cecil Rhodes play in the war?
He was said to have pushed Kruger into war, escalating tensions.
How did the British view their defeat?
They saw it as a fluke and were determined to take revenge later.
What agreement ended the First Boer War?
The Pretoria Convention (1881), which restored self-government to the Transvaal under British suzerainty.
Why was the First Boer War significant?
It was one of the few times a colonial power was defeated by settlers, and it set the stage for the Second Boer War.
When and where was gold discovered in South Africa?
In 1886, in Transvaal.
How did the discovery of gold challenge British dominance?
It threatened the economic dominance of the Cape Colony, which was controlled by the British.
How did the Boers react to the influx of gold diggers?
They were against the arrival of foreign prospectors, especially the British.
What term was used to describe foreign prospectors in Transvaal?
Uitlanders (meaning “foreigners” in Afrikaans).
Why did the British want to provoke a second war against the Boers?
They saw the First Boer War (1880-1881) as a fluke victory for the Boers and wanted revenge.
Who played a key role in provoking Kruger into conflict?
Cecil Rhodes, a British imperialist and businessman.
Why did the British view the Uitlanders as a justification for war?
They outnumbered the Boers 3 to 1 in Transvaal, and Britain saw them as a reason to intervene.
What restrictions did the Boers place on the Uitlanders?
- A 14-year residence requirement for political rights.
- Uitlanders paid 90% of the taxes but had no political representation.
What event in 1899 further increased tensions between the British and Boers?
An explosion of bitunus by British workmen in Transvaal who felt persecuted.
Who was the British Colonial Secretary from 1895 and a key figure in escalating tensions?
Joseph Chamberlain, a committed imperialist.
What did Chamberlain demand from Paul Kruger’s government?
Concessions regarding political rights for Uitlanders.
Did Kruger agree to Chamberlain’s demands?
He made some concessions, but Chamberlain wanted war to secure British dominance.
When did the Second Boer War begin?
1899
How was the Second Boer War different from the First Boer War?
It was longer (1899-1902) and far more ruthless.
Why did the Second Boer War last longer?
- The number of Uitlanders increased.
- The British sent many more troops.
What countries sent soldiers to support the British?
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
What was Britain’s ultimate goal in the war?
To eliminate Boer independence and gain full control over South Africa.
When did Paul Kruger issue an ultimatum to Britain?
October 1899.
Why did the war initially go badly for the British?
- The Boers were excellent fighters (athletic, skilled with guns, and knew the land).
- The British suffered a series of defeats.
Who were the two British military leaders appointed to turn the war around?
Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener.
What happened to Paul Kruger during the war?
He fled the country to Europe after the British gained control.
When was the Transvaal Republic annexed by Britain?
October 1900.
How did the Boers react after losing conventional battles?
They intensified guerilla warfare, using hit-and-run tactics.
What tactic did the British use to counter the Boer guerillas?
The scorched-earth policy (terre-brûlée), which involved destroying farms, crops, and resources.
Who else had used the scorched-earth policy before?
William the Conqueror in medieval England.
What was the most controversial British strategy during the war?
Setting up concentration camps for Boer civilians and Black South Africans.
What were the conditions in these camps?
Appalling, leading to the deaths of:
- 26,000 Boer women and children
- 14,000 Black and colored South Africans
How did the British public react when they learned about the concentration camps?
A huge scandal erupted in Great Britain.
Which British politician became anti-imperialist after the scandal?
William Gladstone.
What question did critics of imperialism begin to ask?
“Imperialism, but at what cost?”
How did the British press react to the concentration camps?
They conducted investigations, which further fueled public outrage.
When did the Boers request an armistice?
March 1902.
When was the Treaty of Vereeniging signed?
May 31, 1902.
What was the result of the treaty of Vereeniging?
- The Boer Republics came under British control.
- The British offered a generous peace settlement to the Boers.
Why do some say the Boers were the real winners of the war?
Because the peace agreement was very favorable to them.
Why is the Second Boer War also called the South African War?
It involved the entire population of South Africa, both white and black.
Why do some say the Boers were the real winners of the Second Boer War?
The British were very generous to them in the peace settlement.
How did the British recognize the Boers legally?
They gave the Dutch/Boers legal status equal to the English.
What political control did the Boers gain after the war?
The ex-Republics (Transvaal & Orange Free State) were granted constitutions, allowing Afrikaners to control their former states.
What agreement did the British and Boers make regarding voting rights?
They agreed not to give voting rights to Black and Colored South Africans, except in the Cape Colony.
How did Black and Colored South Africans feel about the peace treaty?
They were very disappointed, as they had hoped to regain some of their land, but this did not happen.
How did the treaty affect racial policies in South Africa?
The war settlement favored entirely white interests, excluding Black South Africans from political rights.
What was the priority for both the British and the Boers after the war?
To reestablish white control over the land and labor.
Why was Black labor especially important after the war?
The economy needed Black South Africans to return to work, particularly in mining, to restore pre-war productivity levels.
When was the Union of South Africa established?
May 31, 1910.
What provinces were included in the Union of South Africa?
- Cape Colony
- Natal
- Transvaal
- Orange River Colony (Orange Free State)
What was the political status of the Union of South Africa?
It was granted Dominion status within the British Empire.
What type of government did the Union of South Africa have?
A parliamentary monarchy with centralized power.
Who was the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa?
Louis Botha (leader of the South African Party).
What was the South African Party?
A political party formed from the merging of Afrikaner parties.
Which key political figures dominated South Africa in the early years of the Union?
- Louis Botha
- Jan Smuts
- JBM Hertzog
What was the main political goal of these Afrikaner leaders?
To establish and maintain Afrikaner supremacy.
Did Black South Africans gain equal rights in the Union of South Africa?
No. The ex-Boer Republics retained a whites-only franchise.
Which province allowed a non-racial franchise?
The Cape Colony.
Despite the non-racial franchise in the Cape, what major restriction was imposed on Black South Africans?
They were banned from becoming members of Parliament.
How did Afrikaner governance impact racial policies?
Segregation became the norm in Boer-controlled areas.
How were Black South Africans treated under the new Union?
They were considered strangers without rights, despite their labor contributing to the country’s development.
What legal change reinforced racial discrimination?
The legalization of segregation under the Afrikaner-led government.
What was the main focus of successive South African Prime Ministers during the first half of the 20th century?
They followed policies that favored white Afrikaners and worked to maintain white dominance.
What was the challenge facing Black South Africans during the early 20th century?
Black South Africans became a majority in urban and industrial society and were in a position to assert their political and economic rights, threatening the established white-dominated society.
What was the African National Congress (ANC)?
The ANC was founded in 1912 by Black South Africans to fight for political and social rights.
What other significant political party was formed in the early 20th century?
The Communist Party was formed in 1921 and fought against racism and for workers’ rights.
How did Mahatma Gandhi contribute to the political struggle in South Africa?
Gandhi helped establish the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, advocating for the rights of Indians, who were initially brought to South Africa for labor.
What was the first formal expression of segregation ideology in South Africa?
The principles of segregation were laid down in 1905 in a report by the South African Native Affairs Commission.
What was the Natives Land Act of 1913?
It forced Black South Africans to live in “reserves” and prohibited them from buying or renting land outside these areas. This act displaced hundreds of thousands of Africans.
What was the “job color bar” policy?
This policy excluded Black Africans from skilled labor jobs and denied them the right to organize in the workforce.
How did segregation affect Black South Africans in the mining industry?
Black South Africans were not allowed to work in skilled labor positions in mines, which were reserved for white workers.
What were the “reserves” created by the Natives Land Act?
“Reserves” were areas designated for Black South Africans to live in, effectively segregating them from white society and stripping them of their land ownership.
What was the significance of the Natives Land Act?
It marked a turning point in African-European relations by forcing Africans off land they owned or squatted on and relegating them to segregated reserves.
What was the major reaction from the white-dominated society to the rise of political organizations like the ANC and Communist Party?
White society saw these movements as a threat and responded by reinforcing segregation policies.
What was the broader consequence of these segregation policies for Black South Africans?
These policies systematically excluded Black South Africans from political, economic, and social rights, consolidating white supremacy.
What was the Natives Land Act of 1913?
The Natives Land Act of 1913 severely restricted the rights of Black South Africans to own land or live in certain areas, creating “homelands” for Black people.
What percentage of South Africa’s land was allocated to Black South Africans after the Natives Land Act of 1913?
The homelands allocated to Black South Africans represented about 13% of South Africa’s total land area.
What was the impact of the Natives Land Act of 1913 on segregation?
The act reinforced segregation by restricting Black people to the homelands, which were controlled by the Union of South Africa.
What was the Natives Urban Areas Act of 1923?
This act forced Black and Colored South Africans to carry passes with them, which became known as the “pass laws”.
What was the purpose of the pass laws?
The pass laws were intended to control the movement of African people, ensuring that they would remain in certain areas and continue to work in specific jobs, benefiting employers.
What did the pass laws symbolize in terms of social control?
The pass laws were a method of social control that furthered segregation by limiting the rights and freedoms of Black South Africans.
How did the first years of the Union of South Africa contribute to the foundation of apartheid?
The early years of the Union were marked by segregation and discrimination, laying the groundwork for the more formalized apartheid policies that would follow.
Was there unity within the white community of South Africa after the formation of the Union?
No, there was a division among the white community, particularly between Afrikaners and English-speaking whites.
How did Afrikaner nationalism evolve after the formation of the Union in 1910?
Afrikaner nationalism grew in strength, particularly after the formation of the National Party in 1914, which broke away from the South African Party.
What were the reasons behind the creation of the National Party in 1914?
The National Party was formed due to a rebellion within the South African Party, as some members opposed fighting for Britain during World War I, favoring Germany instead.
What challenges did impoverished Afrikaners face after the Anglo-Boer War?
Many Afrikaners were dislodged or removed from their land due to the rise of capitalist farming, creating an Afrikaner underclass.
Why was the Afrikaner underclass seen as uncompetitive in the labor market?
The Afrikaner underclass struggled to compete in the labor market because white workers demanded higher wages than those paid to the Black population, further marginalizing them.
What was the broader social impact of the Natives Land Act and Natives Urban Areas Act?
Both acts institutionalized segregation and laid the foundation for the apartheid system, keeping Black South Africans oppressed and restricted in terms of land ownership and mobility.
Why did White Labour become more militant in the early 20th century?
Mine owners tried to cut costs by using cheaper Black labour, leading to White Labour resistance.
What major labor rebellion took place in 1922?
The 1922 goldfields rebellion, which was severely repressed.
How did the issue of immigrant White workers (Uitlanders) relate to the labor conflict?
Similar tensions had occurred earlier with Uitlanders, reflecting ongoing labor struggles.
What was the “poor white problem”?
A socioeconomic issue where many poor Whites faced economic struggles, conflicting with the White/Black racial divide.
How did the need to protect White Labour impact Black South Africans?
Discrimination against Black South Africans intensified as policies favored White workers.
Why did Afrikaners want to fight against British influence?
Many Afrikaners resented British control and sought greater independence.
What was the significance of the Balfour Report and Declaration of 1926?
It recognized South African independence while maintaining its dominion status in the British Commonwealth.
What did the Statute of Westminster (1931) establish?
It confirmed South Africa’s legislative independence but did not completely sever ties with the British Empire.
Why did many Afrikaners oppose the dominion status?
They wanted full independence and saw dominion status as continued British control.
What happened in 1934 in response to the Great Depression?
The main White political parties formed a fusion government to address the local economic crisis.
Which Afrikaner nationalist leader opposed the fusion government?
Dr. Daniel Malan, leader of the National Party.
What was the Status of the Union Act (1934)?
It declared South Africa a sovereign, independent state, removing the last traces of British legal authority.
How was White supremacy reinforced by 1936?
White dominance increased through legal and social structures, including racist policies.
How did WWII affect public sentiment in South Africa?
There was significant anti-war sentiment, but South Africa still contributed to the Allied war effort.
What role did the Afrikaner Broederbond play?
It was a cultural organization that spread Afrikaner nationalist ideology and reinforced racial discrimination
What was the impact of WWII on South Africa’s economy?
Industrial expansion during WWII strengthened White control over the economy.
How did WWII influence South Africa’s relationship with Britain?
It encouraged South Africa’s gradual break from British influence.
Which party won the 1948 South African parliamentary elections?
The Conservative Afrikaner-dominated National Party.
Who could vote in the 1948 elections?
Only white South Africans.
What was Prime Minister Jan Smuts’ stance on WWII?
He ultimately supported the Allied war effort.
What were the main goals of the National Party after its 1948 victory?
- Maintain white domination despite mass resistance.
- Uplift poor Afrikaners.
- Challenge English-speaking whites in high positions.
- Abolish remaining imperial ties to Britain.
What does “Apartheid” mean?
“Apartness” in Afrikaans, referring to the policy of racial segregation.
Who laid the foundation for apartheid, and when was he Prime Minister?
Dr. Daniel Malan, Prime Minister from 1948 to 1954.
What was the purpose of the Population Registration Act (1950)?
It required every South African to be classified by race (White, Black, Coloured, or Indian).
What did the Group Areas Act (1950) establish?
It reserved most of South Africa for white people, forced Black South Africans into “homelands,” and legalized segregation.
What was the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act (1949)?
It banned marriage between white and non-white South Africans.
What did the Immorality Amendment Act (1950, amended in 1957) do?
It prohibited interracial sexual relationships.
What was the Suppression of Communism Act (1950)?
It banned communist organizations and any opposition to apartheid under the label of “communism.”
What did the Separate Representation of Voters Act (1951) do?
It removed voting rights from non-white South Africans in the Cape Province.
What was the Bantu Building Workers Act (1951)?
It restricted Black South Africans from working in skilled building trades.
What was the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Act (1951)?
It legalized the forced removal of Black South Africans from white areas.
What was the Natives Abolition of Passes and Coordination of Documents Act (1952)?
It reinforced pass laws, restricting Black South Africans’ movement by requiring permission to enter urban areas.
What was the Bantu Authorities Act (1951)?
It created separate Black regional authorities and reinforced the “homeland” system.
What was the Native Labour (Settlement of Disputes) Act (1953)?
It prohibited Black South Africans from striking or engaging in collective bargaining
What did the Bantu Education Act (1953) do?
It created a separate, inferior education system for Black South Africans.
What was the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act (1953)?
It enforced segregation in all public spaces, including parks, buses, and restrooms.
What did the Natives (Prohibition of Interdicts) Act (1956) do?
It prevented Black South Africans from legally challenging forced removals.
What was the Promotion of Bantu Self-Government Act (1959)?
It classified Black South Africans into eight ethnic groups and assigned them to separate “homelands.”
When was the ANC Youth League created, and who were its founders?
1943; founded by Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu.
What was the main goal of the ANC Youth League?
To lead the struggle against apartheid.
Why was opposition to apartheid difficult?
The regime was cruel and used extreme measures to suppress resistance.
When was the Group Areas Act created?
On July 27, 1950.
What significance does July 27 hold in modern South Africa?
It became Freedom Day in the new democratic South Africa.
What was the purpose of the Group Areas Act?
To segregate racial groups and reserve the most developed areas for white people.
How was land distributed under the Group Areas Act?
- 84% of the land was granted to white South Africans, who made up only 15% of the population.
- The remaining 16% was assigned to Black and Coloured South Africans, who made up 80% of the population.
What were the consequences of the Group Areas Act’s land distribution?
- Overcrowding
- Diseases
- Poverty
- Social and economic struggles
What were the areas assigned to Black South Africans called?
Tribal homelands.
What happened to those living in the “wrong” area?
They were forcibly removed or required to relocate.
How many people were forced to leave their homes under the Group Areas Act?
3.5 million people, but only 2% of them were white, and they were moved into better areas.
Who replaced Daniel Malan as Prime Minister?
Hendrik Verwoerd.
What policy did Verwoerd implement in 1959 regarding Black homelands?
He set aside smaller areas for the Black population, claiming they would have self-rule.
What was the problem with the lands given to Black South Africans?
They were poor-quality lands, making self-sufficiency impossible.
What document did Black South Africans need to carry when traveling to work?
A pass
What could happen if a Black worker was caught without a pass?
They could be arrested and sent to prison.
Did all white politicians support the Group Areas Act?
No, some white politicians from other parties opposed it.
Why did some white politicians oppose apartheid policies?
They believed that giving the Black population a say in government was essential for South Africa’s future.
How did the National Party (NP) respond to opposition?
They ignored protests both within South Africa and from the international community.
When was the ANC’s Program of Action created?
1949
What was the aim of the ANC’s Program of Action?
To organize mass resistance against apartheid policies.
What campaign did the Program of Action lead to in 1952?
The Defiance Campaign.
What inspired the Defiance Campaign?
Passive resistance, similar to Mahatma Gandhi’s approach.
How did the South African government respond to the Defiance Campaign?
It was severely repressed.
What was the Congress Alliance?
A coalition of anti-apartheid groups fighting for unity and resistance.
Which organizations were part of the Congress Alliance?
- African National Congress (ANC)
- South African Indian Congress (SAIC)
- Coloured People’s Congress (CPC)
- Congress of Democrats (a small white anti-apartheid group)
- South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU)
What was the purpose of the Congress Alliance?
To promote unity and resistance against apartheid.
What key document was drawn up in 1955?
The Freedom Charter.
Who drafted the Freedom Charter?
The Congress of the People in Soweto.
What were the main principles of the Freedom Charter?
- Human rights
- Non-racialism
- Equality for all South Africans
What was the radical faction that split from the ANC?
The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).
Who founded the PAC?
Robert Sobukwe.
What were the PAC’s main ideological beliefs?
- Africanism (focused on the rights of Black South Africans)
- Anti-communism
- Direct action (use of force if necessary)
Why did the PAC break away from the Congress Alliance?
They opposed the ANC’s multiracial approach and wanted to focus on Black liberation alone.
What was the cause of the Sharpeville protest in 1960?
The PAC organized a demonstration against the pass laws.
When did the Sharpeville Massacre take place?
March 21, 1960.
Where is Sharpeville located?
It is a Black township near Johannesburg.
How many people participated in the demonstration against the pass laws in the Sharpeville protest?
Estimates range from 3,000 to 5,000.
Why did the police open fire during Sharpeville protest?
Protesters threw stones, scaring the police, who opened fire in response.
How many people were killed in the Sharpeville Massacre?
69 protesters were killed.
How many people were wounded in the Sharpeville Massacre?
Around 200 were injured.
What was significant about how many victims were shot in the Sharpeville Massacre
Many were shot in the back, showing they were fleeing.
What was the global reaction to the Sharpeville Massacre?
It caused worldwide indignation and criticism of South Africa’s apartheid policies.
What legal response did the South African government take after the Sharpeville Massacre?
A state of emergency was declared.
What harsh policy was introduced after Sharpeville?
Detention without trial was implemented.
What happened to Black political organizations after Sharpeville?
They were banned, and their leaders were either arrested or exiled.
How did the ANC respond after Sharpeville?
It turned to armed struggle against the apartheid regime.
What was the government’s long-term plan after Sharpeville?
- Further repression of opposition
- Creation of more homelands to separate racial groups
- Banning interracial marriages
- Maintaining white economic dominance
What was the period after Sharpeville known as?
The “Dark Age” of South Africa, due to increased political repression.
Why was South Africa strongly criticized in the early 1960s?
Due to its apartheid policies, especially by members of the Commonwealth.
Which Canadian Prime Minister played a key role in South Africa leaving the Commonwealth?
John Diefenbaker.
What happened to South Africa in 1961 regarding the Commonwealth?
It was forced out and became internationally isolated.
What did the United Nations declare about apartheid?
That it was a danger to world peace.
When did South Africa officially become a republic?
March 15, 1961.
What major political change occurred when South Africa became a republic?
- Ties with Britain ceased.
- A nominated president replaced the Governor-General.
Who continued to govern South Africa in 1961?
Hendrik Verwoerd.
What new national symbols were introduced when South Africa became a republic?
- A new currency (rand).
- A new flag.
- A new anthem.
- A new coat of arms.
How did apartheid change after South Africa became a republic?
It became more violent and was recognized as legitimate.
What happened to opposition groups in 1961?
They were banned, and activists were either imprisoned or fled the country.
What type of struggle emerged among Black South Africans after 1961?
An underground armed struggle for liberation.
What happened to ANC leaders in 1964?
8 leading members, including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, were put on trial.
What were the ANC leaders convicted of in 1964?
Sabotage or attempting to obstruct the government.
What sentence did the ANC leaders receive in 1964?
Life imprisonment.
By the 1980s, how many Black South Africans were relocated to Bantustans?
Approximately 3.5 million.
What percentage of land was controlled by 80% of South Africa’s population by 1995?
Only 13%.
Why was the land controlled by 80% of South Africa’s population by 1995 problematic for Black South Africans?
It was not fertile and led to overpopulation, poverty, and slum-like conditions.
What happened to white incomes in the 1960s?
They increased markedly due to rapid industrial growth.
How did the non-white population fare economically in the 1960s?
They suffered, as wealth was concentrated in the white minority.
What theory was introduced in response to international pressure?
The theory of multi-nationalism.
What did the theory of multi-nationalism claim?
It supported the separate development of races—similar to the USA’s “separate but equal” doctrine.
What was the real purpose of the theory of multi-nationalism?
It was a divide-and-rule strategy, reinforcing racist policies.
What did the South African government claim about the homelands?
That they were independent and properly developed.
How did the international community respond to the South African government’s claim about the homelands?
It refused to recognize the independence of these homelands.
How did the majority of South Africans feel about the homelands?
They rejected them, seeing them as part of the apartheid system.
What system controlled the movement of Black South Africans?
The pass laws.
How did the pass laws affect Black South Africans?
They determined where they could work and where they could go.
Why were Black South Africans “tolerated” in white-controlled areas?
Because they were needed as workers in mines and industries.
By the early 1970s, who started to speak out against apartheid?
Some white students, members of the Church, and others.
What caused the Soweto Uprising in 1976?
Students protested against the government’s decision to make education in the African language compulsory.
How did the government respond to the Soweto protests?
The police killed about 600 Black protestors over an 8-month period.
What was the impact of the Soweto Uprising?
It led to more riots, violence, and increased international awareness of apartheid.
Who was Steve Biko?
A Black student leader and founder of the Black Consciousness Movement.
What happened to Steve Biko on September 12, 1977?
He died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
What was the official cause of Biko’s death?
The government claimed he died from a hunger strike.
What was later revealed to be the actual cause of Biko’s death?
He was beaten to death by authorities.
How did Biko’s death impact South Africa and the world?
It led to more protests and increased international pressure on South Africa.
Did the UK and US impose economic sanctions on South Africa after Biko’s death?
No, because South Africa was a major supplier of diamonds, platinum, and gold.
Who was Desmond Tutu?
A Black South African priest in Cape Town and friend of Nelson Mandela.
How did Desmond Tutu fight against apartheid?
He led a movement for peaceful change and spoke out strongly against the authorities.
What prestigious award did Desmond Tutu receive in 1984?
The Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end apartheid.
What historic position did Desmond Tutu achieve in 1986?
He became the 1st Black Anglican Archbishop of South Africa.
How did Desmond Tutu try to pressure foreign countries?
He urged them to stop doing business with South Africa and withdraw investments from South African industries.
How did the South African government respond to growing opposition?
They used a dual strategy of limited reform + intensified repression.
Who was elected in 1979 and started the reform period in South Africa?
Peter Botha, also known as the Big White Crocodile.
What was Botha’s goal with his reforms?
To ease racial tensions while maintaining apartheid, mainly due to international pressure.
What major reform did Botha introduce in 1983?
A tricameral parliamentary system with separate chambers for Asians and Colored people, but still excluding Black South Africans.
What was the effect of the tricameral parliament introduced by Botha in 1983?
It was intended to appease tensions but instead led to more opposition.
What apartheid law did Botha abolish in 1985?
The law forbidding mixed marriages and interracial sexual relations.
Why did the reform forbidding mixed marriages and interracial sexual relations not satisfy anyone?
- Some white South Africans thought Botha was going too far.
- Most non-whites thought it was not enough.
When was a state of emergency declared in South Africa?
From 1984 to 1986 due to increased Black resistance.
What made 1985 the worst year for violence in South Africa?
Riots, shootings, burnings, and killings, leading to about 900 deaths, mostly Black South Africans.
What happened during the Langa Massacre on March 21, 1985?
South African police shot down 19-21 Black South Africans in Uitenhage during a funeral procession and a rent increase protest.
What was the impact of the Langa Massacre?
It caused national and international outrage, leading to renewed boycotts and violent clashes.
What major apartheid law was abolished on July 1, 1986?
The requirement for Black South Africans to carry passbooks for identification.
How did Afrikaner nationalists react to Botha’s reforms?
They blamed him for encouraging Black South Africans to think they could gain political power.
Why did Botha’s reforms not lead to real change?
He still intended to keep political power in white hands.
What new labor reform did Botha introduce?
He allowed Black workers to form trade unions.
Who became President of South Africa in 1989?
Frederik de Klerk.
What did de Klerk announce in 1989?
Plans to reform apartheid restrictions.
What major political change did de Klerk introduce in 1990?
He lifted sanctions on anti-apartheid opposition groups that had been banned.
When was Nelson Mandela released from prison?
February 11, 1990.
How long had Mandela been imprisoned before his release?
27 years.
When was the state of emergency lifted in South Africa?
October 18, 1990
What were the key reasons that led to the end of apartheid?
- International sanctions against South Africa.
- Continued popular resistance within the country.
- The end of the Cold War and the collapse of communism.
- A shift in Afrikaner attitudes, as many wanted a different country.
