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Founding of the ANC
African National Congress. It was founded as the South African Ntive National Congress originally, and became knownas the ANC in 1923. It was the rulingparty of post-apartheid South Africa since 1994. Founded to increase rights of black South Africans. -
Congress Youth League Founded
This mared the rise of a new generation of leadership for the South African black population. Called for civil disobedience and strikes in protest at hundreds of laws associated wit the new apartheid system. -
Defiance Campaign
Campaign against unjust laws. The campaign was presented by t ANC, who decided to implement a national action the next year based on non-cooperation wth certan laws considered unjust and discriminatory. -
Sharpeville Massacre
South African police opened fire on 300 protesters against the Pass Laws. At least 180 black Africans were injured, 69 killed. -
Spear of the Nation formed
Military wing of the ANC. -
Albert Luthuli wins the Nobel Peace Prize
He won for his outstanding role in the fight against apartheid. Luthuli was elected President-General of the ANC.The South African government would not let him leave the country to accept his award in 1960, so he had to postpone his acceptance. -
Nelson Mandela sentenced to life in prison
Convicted of sabotage. -
The Soweto Uprising
Most brutal and violent riots against apartheid. A reorganization of the Bantu education Department began enforcing schools to teach in Africaans, which not many people knew. Students resented being forced to learn in the language of their oppresors, and thus the riots began. -
Steve Biko dies in police custody
He was the leader of the Black Conciousness movement. Arrested and detained since August under the Terrorism Act. Biko died from police brutality. -
Desmond Tutu wins the Nobel Peace Prize
He won for his nonviolent work against apartheid. His demands were equal civil rights for all, the abolistion of South Africa's passport laws, a common system of education, and the cessation of forced deportation from South AFrica to the "homelands". -
Nelson Mandela released from prison
He was convicted of treason and sabotage in June of 1964 and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela was released due to relaxation of apartheid laws, including the lifted ban on the ANC. -
Nelson Mandela becomes President of South Africa
President from May 10, 1994-June 14, 1999. He gave priority to reconciliation and introduced new laws aimed at combatting poverty and inequality in South Africa.