South Africa/Africa Decolonization

South Africa Background South Africa had been a colony of the British until 1910, when it gained its independence. Only whites were allowed to hold government positions, however, even though they were the minority. 20% of the population controlled 80% of the population.

Apartheid In 1948 the government set up a policy of racial segregation. Every citizen had to register by race, and all races were kept separate. Black South Africans were severely restricted They were paid less than whites for the same job They had to get permission to travel They could not own land

Nelson Mandela and the ANC. The African National Congress was the main opposition group to Apartheid. They would protest with marches, boycott, and strikes. They were soon outlawed by the white government.

Mandela Mandela continued to lead the ANC under ground. He originally promoted nonviolent protests, but as the government increased their violence, he began to promote a more militant approach to protesting. He was arrested and sentenced to life in prison.

Apartheid in the 1980’s. Demands for Mandela’s release increased during this decade, and many countries began calling for an end to Aparthheid. Desmond Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent opposition to apartheid.

End of Apartheid In 1990, F.W. de Klerk, the President of South Africa, lifted the ban on the ANC and freed Nelson Mandela. In 1994 ALL South Africans were allowed to vote. They elect Nelson Mandela as their president.

African Decolonization Ghana was the first African nation to gain its independence. During the 1940’s, Kwame Nkruma began the movement, and in 1957 Ghana gained independence. His government became corrupt, however, and in 1966 he was thrown out and replaced by a military dictator.

Kenya Their independence was an armed struggle. Militants burned down white farms. Jomo Kenyatta was their leader and he was arrested and put in jail. The movement lived on, however, and in 1963 Kenyatta was freed from jail and became president of Kenya. He ruled as a dictator and jailed all those who opposed him.