African National Congress

Definition

The African National Congress (ANC) is a political organization in South Africa that was founded in 1912 to fight for the rights of the black majority and end racial discrimination under apartheid. The ANC became the leading force in the struggle against apartheid, advocating for equality and social justice, ultimately leading to its significant role in the establishment of a democratic South Africa in the 1990s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ANC was initially founded as a moderate organization but shifted towards more radical tactics in response to increasing oppression under apartheid.
2. In 1961, the ANC formed its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, to carry out sabotage against government installations as part of its resistance efforts.
3. The ANC was banned by the South African government in 1960, forcing its leaders, including Nelson Mandela, into underground activities or exile.
4. The organization's efforts gained international support, leading to economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation of South Africa during the late 1980s.
5. The ANC played a crucial role in negotiations that led to the end of apartheid, culminating in the first multiracial elections in 1994 where Nelson Mandela was elected president.

Review Questions

• How did the formation and actions of the ANC impact the fight against apartheid in South Africa?
  • The formation of the ANC marked a significant step in organizing resistance against apartheid policies. Over time, it transformed from a moderate organization advocating for civil rights into a key player in armed resistance through Umkhonto we Sizwe. The ANC's ability to unite various groups under its banner and to gain international support helped apply pressure on the South African government, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of apartheid.
• Evaluate the significance of Nelson Mandela's leadership within the ANC and how it influenced global perceptions of the anti-apartheid movement.
  • Nelson Mandela's leadership was crucial for both the ANC and the broader anti-apartheid movement. His commitment to non-violence, coupled with his willingness to negotiate with the government while imprisoned, garnered international sympathy and support for the struggle. Mandela became a global icon representing resilience and justice, which mobilized worldwide protests and calls for sanctions against South Africa, significantly impacting global perceptions of racial injustice.
• Analyze how events such as the Sharpeville Massacre influenced public opinion and international response towards apartheid and the ANC's role in that context.
  • The Sharpeville Massacre was a turning point that shocked both national and international audiences about the brutality of apartheid. The event catalyzed outrage and increased sympathy for the anti-apartheid movement, leading to heightened activism and support for groups like the ANC. Internationally, it spurred countries to impose sanctions on South Africa and isolate it diplomatically, thereby reinforcing the ANC's position as a legitimate representative of those oppressed under apartheid, eventually facilitating its rise as a key political force.

Related terms

Apartheid: A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government from 1948 to the early 1990s.

Nelson Mandela: A prominent leader of the ANC who became a symbol of the struggle against apartheid and served as South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999.

Sharpeville Massacre: A pivotal event in 1960 when South African police opened fire on unarmed demonstrators protesting against apartheid laws, leading to international condemnation.