History The Anti Apartheid Movement Questions
The key protests or demonstrations during the Anti-Apartheid Movement included:
1. Sharpeville Massacre (1960): A peaceful protest against the pass laws in Sharpeville, South Africa, turned violent when police opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the deaths of 69 people and injuring hundreds. This event marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle.
2. Soweto Uprising (1976): A student-led protest in Soweto, South Africa, against the compulsory use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools. The protest escalated into widespread riots and clashes with the police, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of students.
3. Defiance Campaign (1952): Organized by the African National Congress (ANC), this campaign aimed to challenge unjust laws and segregation policies. Thousands of volunteers deliberately violated discriminatory laws, leading to mass arrests and public demonstrations.
4. Women's March to Pretoria (1956): Approximately 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, to protest against the extension of pass laws to women. This peaceful demonstration highlighted the role of women in the anti-apartheid struggle.
5. United Democratic Front (UDF) Mass Action (1980s): The UDF, a broad-based anti-apartheid coalition, organized a series of mass protests, strikes, and boycotts across South Africa. These actions aimed to challenge apartheid policies and increase international pressure on the government.
6. Nelson Mandela's Release (1990): After spending 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 sparked widespread celebrations and demonstrations across South Africa. Mandela's release marked a significant milestone in the anti-apartheid movement and paved the way for negotiations towards a democratic South Africa.
These protests and demonstrations played a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing support, and putting pressure on the apartheid government to dismantle the discriminatory system.