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The Great Trek
Migration of over 12,000 Dutch Boers. They wanted to be free of English rule, who had abolished slavery in 1933. Slaves where something the Dutch heavily befitted from. Conflict was heavy between Boers and South African tribes along the way. This trek also became a vocal point for Afrikaner Nationalism in the 1930s. -
Discovery of diamonds and gold.
Diamonds and gold were discovered in South Africa in the late 1860s. This dramatically altered the economic and political structure of South Africa. -
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Scramble for Africa
European countries seized control of different parts of South Africa. The country was discovered to be full of raw materials that could be exploited. -
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Boer war
A war between the British Empire and the Dutch Boers. The catalyst for this battle was the discovery of Diamonds and gold in Boer states, which dramatically altered the economic structure of South Africa. Early months of the war was triumphed by Boer victories. However, due to Britain's determination to win, they used dirty tactics like concentration camps to get there way. Even people back in Britain shaming their tricks. In the end, Britain won. -
Treaty of Vereeniging
Signed after the Boer war. The Boers would lose their independence as they became subject to the authority of King Edward VII. Were promised self-government though. -
ANCYL is formed
Walter Sisulu forms in ACNYL -
National Party wins the election
The National Partys triumph is due to many reasons, mainly poor opposition, nationlism, industrialisation and more. -
Start of the Apartheid Legislation.
When every aspect of South African life was determined by race. The legislation aimed not only to separate whites and blacks, but to also oppress South Africans. -
ANCYL takes control of the ANC
After the 1949 ANC conference, ANCYL took control of the organisation. [Picture- Anton Lembede, founding president on ANCYL] -
ACT- Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act
Mixed Marriages made illegal -
ACT- Immorality Act
Sexual relations between different ethnic groups was make illegal. Could be convicted for 5 years. -
ACT- Group Areas Act
Each racial group designated to a particular area to live. Act responsible for the forced eviction of 3.5 million Africans. Lead to the destruction of many mixed towns like Sophiatown. The African population only resided a small, heavily overcrowded, percentage of South Africa -
ACT- Popular Registration Act
Residents within South Africa were classified on the basis of their perceived race, therefore community acceptability as apart of the Apartheid Legislation. -
ACT- Native Laws Amendment Act
Apart of the Apartheid Legislation, it standardised the use of reference books all throughout South Africa, on men and women. -
The Defiance Campaign
The first example of large scale direct action by the ANC. It was a non-violent protest in which supporters would break the law and invite themselves for arrest. It was hoped the sheer number would overwhelm authorities. In the 6 months of the campaign, 8500 supporters were arrested. -
ACT- Bantu Education Act
Verwoerd said, “What is the use of teaching a Bantu child mathematics when it cannot use it in practice?” regarding the Bantu Education act. This act made it so African children learnt limited vocational skills, that would simply enable them to become cheap labour. Many unofficial schools which actually taught these children were forcibly closed. -
Woman's pass protest
20,000 women of all races marched to the union buildings bearing 100,000 signatures in protest against the passes for women. -
PAC is formed
The PAC came about due to the frustration many faced with the ANCs lack of consensus (general agreement) on the Africanist debate. They also objected to the ANC's multiracial beliefs, instead of believing in black nationalism. -
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South Africa became a republic
In January of 1960, Verwoerd announced a referendum that would determine whether South Africa became a republic or not. This is because the government desired to make the country a fully Apartheid state. However, they could not do this at the time due to Britain holding them back, sending critiques and discontent to the government about Apartheid. Thus, with a white-only vote, 52% voted for a republic. This was a scary time for Africans, as no one was there to restrain the Apartheid government. -
Wind of change speech
"This growth of national conciseness it a political fact" was the words declared by Harold Macmillian to the South African government. Previously in January of the same year, Verwoerd announced there would be a referendum on whether South Africa should be a republic. Thus, this speech served the purpose to win over the white population to not vote in favour and to also gain moral high ground in a time of freedom and independence for many counties in Africa. -
Sharpeville Massacre
PAC organised a demonstration to abolish South Africa's pass laws. They gathered outside a police station when the police opened fire on the protestors. Killing or wounding 250 of them, most of the bullets in their backs as they tried to run away. This incident is seen as the catalyst for adopting violent protests. -
Mandela goes underground
MK was classified as a terrorist organisation, which had bombed 200 plus places. Thus, Mandela went into hiding. -
MK base raided
The house contained documents of action, and Mandela was arrested. -
ACT- General Laws Amendment Act.
Enabled a person to be arrested for 90 days on the suspension of a political crime without access to a lawyer, this could be extended to a further 90 days. -
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The Rivonia Trial
Mandela and other political leaders put on trial- and where expected to receive the death sentence. In this, Mandela gave a 3 hour speech intended for international audiences. They where given life in prison on Robben island and thus was seen as a win for many. -
South African student organisation SASO
Formed in 1968 with Steve Biko as it’s first leader. It advocated for black conciousness. -
Oil crisis 1973
South Africa faced a crisis when they weren't receiving any oil due to doubling prices -
The Afrikaans decree
In 1874, the South African government introduced a degree which would introduce lessons being taught in Afrikaans in schools. -
The Soweto uprising
South African youth faced frustration and growing anger in Soweto. They saw complacency among the people who should be fighting for their future- the adults. The youth where surrounded by suffering, and even in the classrooms faced overcrowding and inadequate education. The catalyst was the Afrikaans decree introduced, which caused protests of the youth. However, at the protest, a child was shot killed. This caused a bombshell of violence and protests to the police, resulting in over 500 deaths. -
The information scandal
Scandal in 1978 which exposed misuse of funds, corruption, funding of a domestic newspaper and purchase of Washington Star. Effectively ended Mulder's political career, a likely successor to Vorster, who stood down as Prime Minister. Made way for Botha to assume the premiership.
