African National Congress

Definition

The African National Congress (ANC) is a South African political party that has played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid and the promotion of civil rights. Founded in 1912, the ANC initially aimed to unite Africans and promote their rights within South Africa, but it later became the primary organization opposing the apartheid regime, advocating for equality and democracy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ANC was established in 1912 as the South African Native National Congress but changed its name in 1923.
2. The ANC's approach evolved from non-violent protests to armed resistance after peaceful efforts were met with violence from the apartheid government.
3. In 1961, the ANC launched Umkhonto we Sizwe, signaling its commitment to armed struggle against apartheid.
4. The ANC gained international support during the 1980s, which helped pressure the South African government to end apartheid.
5. Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990, and the ANC won the first multiracial elections in South Africa in 1994, leading to Mandela's presidency.

Review Questions

• How did the African National Congress evolve in its strategies over time in response to apartheid policies?
  • Initially, the African National Congress focused on peaceful protests and petitions to advocate for the rights of black South Africans. However, as apartheid policies intensified and peaceful efforts were met with violent repression, the ANC shifted towards armed resistance, forming Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961. This evolution highlights the organization's adaptability and determination to fight against systemic oppression through various means.
• Discuss the significance of international support for the African National Congress during its anti-apartheid campaign.
  • International support for the African National Congress was crucial during its fight against apartheid. As global awareness of human rights violations increased, many countries imposed sanctions on South Africa and supported the ANC's cause. This pressure helped to isolate the apartheid regime economically and politically, ultimately contributing to its downfall. The ANC’s ability to garner support from international allies also strengthened its legitimacy as a representative of oppressed South Africans.
• Evaluate the impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership on both the African National Congress and post-apartheid South Africa.
  • Nelson Mandela's leadership had a profound impact on both the African National Congress and post-apartheid South Africa. As a symbol of resistance against oppression, Mandela inspired millions and garnered global support for the ANC. After his release from prison and subsequent election as president in 1994, he emphasized reconciliation and nation-building, steering South Africa away from potential civil conflict. His leadership helped lay the foundation for a democratic society that aimed to address past injustices while promoting unity among diverse communities.

Related terms

Apartheid: A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s, which led to widespread oppression of the non-white population.

Nelson Mandela: A key leader of the ANC and an anti-apartheid revolutionary who became South Africa's first black president after spending 27 years in prison for his activism.

Umkhonto we Sizwe: The armed wing of the ANC, formed in 1961 to carry out acts of sabotage against the apartheid government, marking a shift towards armed resistance.