APARTHEID

• What was apartheid?

  a policy of legal discrimination and segregation directed at the black majority in South Africa
• Apartheid laws and policies

  • Classifying South Africans into racial categories
  • Making it illegal for people to marry across those categories, or even to have sexual relations
  • Mandating segregation in schools and all public facilities
  • Moving all Black South Africans into small areas referred to as "homelands" or Bantustans. In total, 30 million Black South Africans—over 70 percent of the population-were moved onto 13 percent of South Africa's land
  • Restricting freedom of movement, requiring Black South Africans to always carry a "pass book" showing their assigned race and "homeland." Being outside of one's "homeland" was cause for arrest
  • Forbidding Black South Africans from owning land outside of the Bantustans
  • Forbidding Black labor unions from striking
  • Making it illegal to protest, or to gather in groups large enough to start a protest
  • Denying Black people the right to vote, except for local authorities in their Bantustans
• In what ways do ppl argue that apartheid was like Jim Crow in the US South?

  apartheid, just like the jim crow laws, forced segregation, second-class status, and took away voting rights to the majority of black ppl within south asia  
• What did the Freedom Charter call for?

  it was a document that called for an end to apartheid and new freedom and opportunity for Black South Africans
• 1. How did the struggle against apartheid get caught up in the Cold War?

  • many panicked about the spread of communism at that time
  • govts were using the excuse of “fighting communism” to crush rebellioms of workers who rose up to battle poverty and injustice 
  • national party did the same, as they claimed that their brutal tactics against Black activists were simply attempts to stop a communist takeover
• 1. What happened in 1976, in Soweto, that was so important?

  • students protested new educational restrictions and got shot, resulting in more than 100 deaths
  • this was important bc these movements created fear among auhtoritarian leaders
• What kinds of international response did protests like these create

  Protests against apartheid in South Africa generated widespread international condemnation and solidarity from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide
• To what extent does apartheid explain various reactions to existing power structures in the period after 1900?

  • Opposition and Resistance
  • International Condemnation
  • Diplomatic Isolation
  • Social and Economic Disparities
  • Political Mobilization
• Opposition and Resistance


  Apartheid policies entrenched existing power structures that privileged the white minority at the expense of the Black majority. This systematic oppression led to widespread opposition and resistance from Black South Africans, who challenged the legitimacy of the apartheid regime and sought to dismantle the oppressive power structures
• International Condemnation


  The apartheid system drew international condemnation and criticism, as it violated principles of human rights and equality. Many countries, organizations, and individuals around the world rallied against apartheid, calling for its abolition and supporting movements for racial equality in South Africa
• Diplomatic Isolation


  The apartheid regime faced diplomatic isolation as many countries imposed economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to compel South Africa to end apartheid. This isolation weakened the regime's legitimacy and contributed to its eventual downfall
• Social and Economic Disparities

  Apartheid exacerbated social and economic disparities between racial groups, reinforcing existing power imbalances. The discriminatory policies of apartheid restricted economic opportunities for Black South Africans, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality
• Political Mobilization

  Apartheid sparked political mobilization among Black South Africans, leading to the emergence of political parties and movements advocating for equality and democracy. Organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) mobilized mass protests and resistance against apartheid, challenging the power structures of the apartheid state
• Cultural changes within South Africa that helped end apartheid

  1. Artistic expression

  2. Literary movements

  3. Cultural resistance
• Artistic expression

  South African artists used various forms of artistic expression, such as music, literature, theater, and visual arts, to critique apartheid and inspire resistance
• Artistic expression

  • Musicians like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela
  • Playwrights like Athol Fugard
• Literary movements

  Writers and poets contributed to the anti-apartheid movement by producing literature that exposed the realities of apartheid and advocated for social change
• Literary movements

  • Alan Paton's "Cry, the Beloved Country"
  • Nadine Gordimer's "July's People"
• Cultural resistance

  South Africans engaged in acts of cultural resistance, such as protest songs, dance, and traditional ceremonies, to assert their dignity and challenge the dehumanizing effects of apartheid
• The end of apartheid was a group effort. What actions of global networks helped end the racist system?

  • International Solidarity Movements
  • Economic Sanctions
  • Diplomatic Isolation
  • Support for Exiled Activists
  • Sporting and Cultural Boycotts
• Anti-apartheid movements around the world

  • Mobilized public opinion against apartheid
  • Demonstrated global support for the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa
  • Organized protests, boycotts, divestment campaigns, and other actions to pressure governments and corporations to cut ties with the apartheid regime
• Economic sanctions

  • Many countries and international organizations imposed
  • Included trade embargoes, restrictions on investment, and bans on the sale of arms and military equipment to South Africa
  • Pressured the apartheid government to end racial segregation and discrimination
• Diplomatic isolation

  • Diplomatic pressure from the international community, including the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, contributed to
  • Many countries downgraded or severed diplomatic ties with South Africa
  • Imposed travel bans on South African officials, further isolating the apartheid government on the global stage
• Support for exiled activists

  • Global networks provided support and sanctuary
  • Helped amplify their voices and provided a platform for their activism
  • Kept the international spotlight on the injustices of apartheid
• Sporting and cultural boycotts

  • South African teams were banned from participating in international sporting events
  • Artists and musicians refused to perform in South Africa or collaborate with South African institutions, further isolating the apartheid regime
• Why is it useful to view the end of apartheid through the theme of cultural developments and interactions? How do you think this relates to economic systems?

  It highlights the connection of culture, politics, and social change. Cultural developments played a significant role in mobilizing resistance against apartheid, fostering solidarity among diverse communities, and shaping public perceptions of the apartheid regime. Here's how this relates to economic systems:

  • Cultural Resistance and Economic Boycotts
  • Global Solidarity Movements and Economic Sanctions
  • Post-Apartheid Economic Reforms
• Cultural Resistance and Economic Boycotts


  Cultural expressions such as protest songs, literature, and artistic performances served as forms of resistance against apartheid, challenging the legitimacy of the racist system and inspiring people to take action. These cultural movements often intersected with economic boycotts, as artists and activists called for boycotts of South African products, companies, and institutions. This cultural and economic pressure helped to undermine the apartheid regime economically and politically
• Global Solidarity Movements and Economic Sanctions


  The international anti-apartheid movement, which was fueled by cultural expressions of solidarity, also had significant economic implications. Global networks mobilized public opinion against apartheid, leading to economic sanctions imposed by many countries and organizations. These sanctions, including trade embargoes and investment restrictions, had profound economic consequences for South Africa, contributing to its isolation and eventual transition to democracy
• Post-Apartheid Economic Reforms


  After the end of apartheid, South Africa underwent significant economic reforms aimed at addressing the legacy of apartheid and promoting inclusive economic growth. These reforms included measures to redress historical injustices, such as land redistribution and affirmative action policies, as well as efforts to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic development. Cultural factors, including reconciliation and nation-building efforts, played a crucial role in shaping these economic policies and fostering social cohesion in the post-apartheid era
• • Nelson Mandela's imprisonment symbolized ongoing repression by the South African government, sparking international outrage and solidarity
• • Resistance to apartheid by youth in Soweto and elsewhere broadened the anti-apartheid movement into a powerful international network
• • International pressure mounted in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to bans on South African teams from participating in major sporting events and calls for divestment from companies doing business in South Africa
• • Television reports of brutal government retaliation against Black South African protesters kept global attention on the situation
• • Despite resistance from leaders like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, the international movement against apartheid persisted and grew stronger
• • South Africans felt supported and encouraged by global solidarity, leading to political changes including the release of Nelson Mandela and the recognition of the ANC as a legitimate political party
• • Apartheid was officially ended in 1990, and Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa four years later, marking a new era in the country's history
• • While South Africa still faces challenges such as economic development, poverty, crime, and discrimination, the successful end of apartheid remains a powerful example of how people can come together to overcome injustice and create positive change