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WWII Ends
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National Party Wins election, Introduce Apartheid
When the national party came into party they felt threatened by aspiring black politicians they implemented strict, racial segregation known as apartheid. -
The Population Registration Act
This law classifies people into three racial groups: white, colored (mixed race or Asian), and native (African/black). Marriages between races are outlawed in order to maintain racial purity. -
The Bantu Homelands Act
Through this law, the white government declares that the lands reserved for black Africans are independent nations. -
Defiance Campaign Starts
The Defiance Campaign is when volunteers including Nelson Mandela himself defied apartheid laws in major cities. -
Bantu Education Act
Through this law, the white government supervises the education of all blacks. Schools condition blacks to accept white domination. Non-whites can not attend white universities. -
The Preservation of Separate Amenities Act
Establishes "separate but not necessarily equal" parks, beaches, post offices, and other public places for whites and non-whites. At right are signs for segregated toilets in English and Afrikaans. -
Sharpville Massacre
The Sharpville Massace was the result of a large group of black protesters that outnumbered police by a large moment, were opened fire upon, killing 69. -
Nelson Mandela Arrested
On this date, Mandella was captured and imprisioned after 17 months on the run. He was sentenced to 5 years of prison. -
The Soweto Uprising
This was the numerous protests that was held by high school students in response to the Afrikaans hired as teachers. -
Declarition of a State of Emergency
President Botha declared a state of emergency. -
Mandela is freed from prison
Mandela is finally freed from prison, 27 years later. This was followed by a relaxation of apartheid laws. -
New Constitution
South Africa President F.W. de Klerk repeals the rest of the apartheid laws and calls for the drafting of a new constitution. -
Mandela wins presidency
This was the first non racial election with Nelson Mandela winning. It is now known as "Freedom Day" in South Africa.