African National Congress

Definition

The African National Congress (ANC) is a political party in South Africa that played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid, advocating for the rights of the black majority and seeking to dismantle the institutionalized racial segregation that defined South African society. Founded in 1912, the ANC became a key player in the decolonization and liberation movements within Africa, particularly reflecting the larger global wave of anti-colonial sentiment following World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ANC was founded in 1912 as the South African Native National Congress and aimed to increase the rights of the black population within the country.
2. After the establishment of apartheid in 1948, the ANC adopted more radical strategies, including armed resistance, through its military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961.
3. The ANC gained international support during the 1980s, with widespread sanctions and anti-apartheid movements worldwide putting pressure on the South African government.
4. In 1994, after years of struggle and negotiations, the ANC won South Africa's first democratic elections, leading to Nelson Mandela becoming president.
5. The ANC's struggle is often seen as part of a larger narrative of decolonization in Africa, where former colonies sought self-determination and independence from European powers.

Review Questions

• How did the African National Congress adapt its strategies in response to apartheid policies over time?
  • The African National Congress initially sought to gain rights for black South Africans through peaceful means and legal petitions. However, as apartheid became more oppressive, the ANC shifted towards more militant strategies, founding Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961 to conduct sabotage against government facilities. This change was influenced by both internal pressures and international support for anti-apartheid efforts, demonstrating their adaptability in face of extreme repression.
• Evaluate the significance of Nelson Mandela's leadership within the African National Congress and its impact on South Africa's transition away from apartheid.
  • Nelson Mandela's leadership was pivotal for the ANC as he became a global symbol of resistance against apartheid. His imprisonment for 27 years galvanized international support for anti-apartheid movements. Upon his release, Mandela led negotiations to dismantle apartheid, advocating for reconciliation rather than revenge. His presidency marked a new era for South Africa, emphasizing unity and nation-building, which helped stabilize a country emerging from decades of racial division.
• Analyze how the struggles of the African National Congress reflect broader themes in global decolonization movements during the 20th century.
  • The struggles of the African National Congress encapsulate key themes in global decolonization movements, such as resistance against colonial powers and the fight for self-determination. Similar to movements in Asia and Latin America, the ANC faced both internal divisions and external pressures as it sought independence from oppressive regimes. The international solidarity with the ANC mirrored global anti-colonial sentiments post-World War II, showcasing a collective struggle against colonialism and racism that transcended national boundaries.

Related terms

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

Nelson Mandela: A prominent leader of the ANC who became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement and served as South Africa's first black president after his release from prison.

Pan-Africanism: A movement that seeks to unify African people and nations, which influenced the ANC's ideology and its approach to fighting colonialism and promoting African unity.