South Africa - Did the ANC and PAC radicalise after 1960? Flashcards
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Why did the ANC and PAC have to rethink their political strategies in 1960?
because they were banned and illegal
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
When was the State of Emergency lifted? Why?
August 1960
the gov thought it had stopped momentum of popular protest
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
In early 1950s and 60s what was the ANC strategy with examples?
occasionally violence against property and people
(East London, Durban)
never violence against whites in mind
(except Mpondoland)
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
What was the ANC sure they did not want or were ready for? Why?
to find arms to fight gov
because they knew the gov retaliation would be harsh
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
What did the ANC hold their commitment to?
peaceful protect and civil disobedience
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Who discussed the armed struggle in 1962 and how?
Mandela and Sisulu
e.g. violence occasionally mentioned in speeches
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Why did the ANC have to be so careful when a decision so urgently needed?
urgently needed after banning of movements
but the reason lawyers got leaders acquitted from Treason Trial was that they established the ANC was not commited violent overthrow of the state
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
During the Treason Trials, what ANC meeting was held? What was discussed there?
All-In-African Conference
adovcation of a national constitutional convention
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Why did they hold this convention for a national constitution?
they believe that all SAs, not just whites, should be consulted on constitutional decisions
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
What meeting occurred in Cape Town?
a similar meeting to the constitutional convention one
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
What else did the ANC decide on after the SA as a republic?
a 3 day stayaway in May 1961
to coincide with moment SA became a republic
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Who was the first to adopt armed struggle? How did they do this?
SACP
operating underground and in secret
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Although, some members were doubtful. Who was?
Trade Unionist Moses Kotane
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
Who were members of the SACP and ANC? What benefit did this serve?
Sisulu, Kotane
both parties were fully informed
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
When did the ANC explicitly decide to adopt armed struggle?
June 1961
MOVE TO ARMED STRUGGLE
What was the split of the party after the adoption of armed struggle?
Luthuli and SAIC were against violence out of principle
vs
others who:
- concerned the movement was not ready for armed struggle
- uncertain about wider support
- harsh retaliation
ANC/MK
What does ‘uMkhonto weSizwe’ mean?
‘spear of the nation’
ANC/MK
Who is MK attached to?
ANC and CP
ANC/MK
Who is MK led by?
Mandela (ANC) Joe Slovo (CP)
ANC/MK
What was the MK’s targets?
strategic sites:
- communication posts
- power units
rather than places where loss of life was a risk
ANC/MK
When was their first act?
Dingaan’s Day
- when white SA was commemorated
- after the Boer victory over Zulus at Battle of Blood River, 1836
- coincided with Luthuli’s return from Norway receiving his Nobel Peace Prize
ANC/MK
Why was the MK only ‘in theory’ attached to ANC?
- to protect ANC against further repression
- ANC was not fully united behind the decision to adopt armed struggle
ANC/MK
Why would communist links prove to be improtant for the armed struggle?
USSR made largest financial contribution to help with training and education
ANC/MK
What other country helped out training men?
1961 - 5 African men were sent to China for training in guerrilla tactics
PAC/POQO
What does ‘POQO’ mean?
‘pure’/’alone’
PAC/POQO
Who is it attached to?
PAC
PAC/POQO
Who was it lead by? And after that?
Robert Sobukqwe (was imprisoned)
Potlako Leballo
took over)
PAC/POQO
What was Poqo’s aim?
to take human life
- police
- informers
- Transkei chiefs