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Resisting apartheid, 1955 to 78
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Opponents of apartheid moved from peaceful protest to armed struggle, and young people led a new wave of resistance in the 1970s.
Peaceful protest and the Treason Trial
The ANC led campaigns of non-violent protest, including against the pass laws.
In 1955 the Congress of the People adopted the Freedom Charter.
In the Treason Trial (1956 to 61), 156 activists, including Nelson Mandela, were charged; all were eventually acquitted.
In 1955 the Congress of the People adopted the Freedom Charter.
In the Treason Trial (1956 to 61), 156 activists, including Nelson Mandela, were charged; all were eventually acquitted.
Sharpeville and armed struggle
On 21 March 1960 at Sharpeville, police fired on a crowd protesting against passes, killing 69 people.
The ANC and PAC were banned.
Mandela helped found Umkhonto we Sizwe ('Spear of the Nation') in 1961 to sabotage government targets. He was jailed for life in 1964 and held on Robben Island.
The ANC and PAC were banned.
Mandela helped found Umkhonto we Sizwe ('Spear of the Nation') in 1961 to sabotage government targets. He was jailed for life in 1964 and held on Robben Island.
Black Consciousness and Soweto
Steve Biko led the Black Consciousness movement: Black pride and self-reliance.
On 16 June 1976 in Soweto, schoolchildren protested against being taught in Afrikaans. Police opened fire; hundreds died in the unrest that followed.
Biko died in police custody in 1977, causing worldwide anger.
On 16 June 1976 in Soweto, schoolchildren protested against being taught in Afrikaans. Police opened fire; hundreds died in the unrest that followed.
Biko died in police custody in 1977, causing worldwide anger.
Explain why Sharpeville was a turning point in resistance to apartheid.
- Police killed 69 protesters at a peaceful demonstration.
- The government then banned the ANC and PAC.
- With peaceful protest blocked, Mandela and others turned to armed struggle.
Answer: It led to the banning of the ANC and the switch to armed resistance.
ANC non-violent protest and the Freedom Charter (1955); the Treason Trial (1956 to 61). Sharpeville (21 March 1960, 69 killed) led to bans and Umkhonto we Sizwe (1961); Mandela jailed for life (1964). Biko's Black Consciousness and the Soweto uprising (1976); Biko died in custody (1977).
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