What External Pressures Threatened The NP 1974-83?

Question 1

Political change in Southern Africa on South Africa

Answer 1

Black African countries loathed apartheid but were economically dependent on SA
Botha: ‘we can destroy the whole of Southern Africa’

Question 2

Portuguese independence

Answer 2

1974 Portuguese fascist Gov’t overthrown

Question 3

Rhodesia and Zimbabwe 1983

Answer 3

Through 70s, conflict between Ian Smith white minority regime and liberation movt of zanu and zapu
SA provide assistance to maintain and encourage internal settlement
NP feared communist Gov’t power
Late 70s, accepted Smith would have to negotiate
1980 ZANU won- Mugabe is new president

Question 4

Angola and Namibia

Answer 4

Angola independent in 1975 under Marxist MPLA and SA govt concerned would base SWAPO
SWAPO attempts to free Namibia from SA rule to SA, builds up military presence
US and SA lend support to Angolan UNITA movt and its civil war against MPLA ruling

Question 5

Mozambique

Answer 5

FRELIMO comes to power led by Machel- pursues strongly socialist policy and nationalised resources including land and businesses
Sought support from communist powers
Housed anti apartheid individuals

Question 6

Impact of Mozambique and external policies on SA

Answer 6

Internal policy and external allies alarmed SA

ANC and MK trips at borders such as Mozambique

Question 7

SADCC

Answer 7

South African Development Coordination Conference

1980: 9 SA states excluding SA used to counterweight apartheid but restricted by transport links of SA

Question 8

Nkomati Accord

Answer 8

1984: Mozambique is tired of Civil War and instead signs Accord if military support was stopped/ FRELIMO would stop support of ANC

Question 9

Response of SA to external pressure

Answer 9

Botha put across idea of fighting Communism to protect values (democracy, freedom, Christianity and free enterprise)
SA becomes more aggressive against surrounding threat of communism and socialism with ‘Total Strategy’
Forms bonds with Israel but loses Rhodesia and Ian Smith

Question 10

Total Onslaught (threat of communism) and total strategy- State Security Council

Answer 10

Almost parallel govt
Army generals and police chiefs
More influence over Botha than Cabinet politicians

Question 11

Armed forces in Total Strategy

Answer 11

Greatly increased
2 years military service
1981 South African Defence Force: 250,000 and 250,000 in reserve

Question 12

Arms industry and Total Strategy

Answer 12

Set up ARMSCOR to substitute for works boycott on selling arms
1982: 80% armaments made by SA
Israel formed military alliance

Question 13

How did the international community show condemnation?

Answer 13

AAM- London and Holland 
Sweden £ 
Products and sports boycotts 
Economic sanctions 
IDAF and Tambo 
'Free Nelson Mandela'

Question 14

Why Mandela?

Answer 14

Human rather than political rights
1978: 60th Birthday, 3000 cards sent (inc from British Labour Party)
Thatcher calls him a ‘Terrorist’
Alexandra Palace 1983 birthday concert (further 88)
80s slogan ‘Free Nelson Mandela’