In South African history, the National Party ruled the nation’s white minority government from 1948 to 1994, and this period is known as the apartheid era.
What year did apartheid begin and end?
Apartheid, the harsh, institutionalized system of racial segregation in South Africa given the Afrikaans term by the white-controlled Nationalist Party in 1948, was abolished in the early 1990s through a sequence of actions that culminated in the establishment of a democratic government in 1994.
Who was responsible for South Africa’s apartheid?
Hendrik Verwoerd, known as the “Architect of Apartheid,” served as Prime Minister and the leader of the National Party from 1958 to 1966. He was instrumental in determining how apartheid policy would be carried out.
How was apartheid abolished?
On February 11, 1990, Mandela finally left prison, marking the official start of negotiations to end apartheid. Four years of discussions came to an end with Mandela being chosen as president.
What nations supported South Africa during the apartheid era?
The Soviet Union, Tanzania, Zambia, and other nations supported the ANC and PAC militarily. However, because they were economically dependent on South Africa, neighboring nations like Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland found it more challenging.
Why did apartheid start?
South Africa’s economy suffered greatly during the Great Depression and World War II, which persuaded the government to tighten its racial segregation laws. Under the banner of “apartheid,” the Afrikaner National Party won the general election in 1948.
