Theme 2: 1960-68 Flashcards
How did the anti-aparthied protests of the 1960s strengthen the determination of authorities to enforce aparthied?
- Sharepville Massacre 21st March 1960. 5000-20,000 gathered outside police station protesting. Police opened fire due to claims of hostile crowd, nerves and inexperience. 69 dead, 187 injured -> led to state of emergency called 9 days later with over 10,000 arrested, introduced Sabotage Act in 1962 that meant trial for death penalty had onus on proving innocent not guilty, with tortured confessions admissable.
- ## MK + Rivona Trial - Founded June 1961 by Mandela and others. Aim to make South Africa ungovernable. 16th December 1961 on Diagons day: bombed government buildings in Durban, Port Elizabeth + electricity power station. Over next 18 months MK bombed over 200 times. -> by 1964 too many arrests limited movement. Mandela + Sisulu imprisoned, weakened opposition to near impossible in South Africa and leaders fled.
Anti-Apartheid protest that didn’t strengthen apartheid?
Sharpeville -> bad press of poor police behaviour, South Africa condemned internationally - 1st April 1960: UN resolution 134 condemned Sharpevile + called for reversal of apartheid. France and UK abstained from business with South Africa
How did white people benefit from increased prosperity in the 1960s?
Incomes went up by 50%
4th highest car ownership in the world in 1960s
Economic growth as skilled work reserved for whites
How did black people benefit from increased prosperity in the 1960s?
Incomes up by 23%
White collar workers increased from 75,000 to 420,000
Black consumer demand created -> focus on work and consumption rather than apartheid
Did not improve as much as whites (white 2x black incomes)
Change in ANC tactic in 1960s
Move to violene due to failure of peaceful tactics - defiance campaign led to 8,000 arrests so Mandela founded MK in June 1961
Move to violence due to government repression - 8th April 1960 ANC+PAC banned meant no representation so people turned to violence. Mandela stated violent struggle had began by the government
When did the ANC use peaceful protest methods in the 1960s?
During Rivona trial Mandela became maryr by stating “ideal he’s prepared to die for”.
How did the creation of the Republic of South Africa serve the National Party?
As the whites voted for a republic by 52% in October 1960, Verwoerd saw as opportunity to portray ANC as communist to manipulate Conservative Pary to invest into South African economy due to Cold War fears. South Africa had uranium which is useful in arms race. Strengthened NP symbolivally and economically
How did the creation of a Republic serve apartheid?
Verwoerd saw it as chance to make SA own commonwealth with Bantustans as de-colonised independetn SA nations. Refused embassies by newly independent African countries so they didn’t have to join the commonwealth. Enforced laager mentality to shield from growing international condemnation. Sparked violence in opposition as they had no say in constitutional decisions
How did the Republic backfire on the NP?
UN called for sanctions and passed voluntary emargo in 1960. Labour Pm Wilson enforced this in 1964.
Commonwealth voiced international opposition, which weakened NP. Began weakness of white vote, which in long term had negative impact on NP. Opposition became violent due to hardened African rights and continued decolonisation by Verwoerd.
Rivona trial winning support for ANC/opposition movement from whites and blacks in SA and internationally
Media covered trial including Mandela’s speech which questioned legitmacy of court.
UN appealed against death sentence and 106 voted to end trial
Reddy red UN committee against apartheid in 1963.
Foreign unions refused to hand SA goods and US senators/UK MPs held marches
Rivonia trial weakening opposition
Mandela and Sisulu imprisoned
Leaders fled due to danger of being in SA
International politicians distanced themselves as refused to support known terroists (Tory policy of constructive engagement - using economic growth to destroy apartheid)
Police crushed ARM movement and hung John Harris (bombed white section of Johannesburg station)
Rivonia trial strengthening opposition
Imprisoned became martyrs who inspired young acitivists
Oliver Tambo in exile went on an ‘esternal mission’. He worked with the UN and campaigned for international support (visited USSR and Sweden funded non-violent ANC actions)
Newly independent African nations allowed the MK training bases over their bases
