Group of people waving South African flags in back lit.

Collection

Confronting Apartheid

Explore South Africa’s tumultuous history from the early interactions between white European settlers and native African tribes to the implementation of apartheid and the long struggle for democracy.

Published: July 31, 2018

Last Updated: October 17, 2018

Collection

Language

English — US

Subject

Civics & Citizenship
History
Social Studies

Grade

9–12

Democracy & Civic Engagement

Overview

This resource explores critical moments in South Africa's history, including the period prior to European colonization, the period of colonization, the development of policies based on racial segregation, and the development of the apartheid state. It further discusses anti-apartheid movements and the institutions, policies, and principles put in place to facilitate the development of a non-racial democracy. Lastly, this resource includes both the growth of race rule and resistance to white rule.

This book supports an exploration about Confronting Apartheid. It includes:

4 chapters
25 readings with connection questions

Inside this Collection

Chapter

Understand the history of people living and settling in the South African region and explore how racial and ethnic identities created tension in the years leading to apartheid.

Sol Plaatje was the co-founder of the African National Congress (ANC). As an activist and politician, he spent much of his life fighting for the enfranchisement and liberation of the South African people.

Chapter

Learn about the early development of apartheid as the white South African government formed a legal system of racial hierarchy and non-white South Africans resisted these laws.

A group of women hold signs in demonstration against the pass laws in Cape Town on August 9, 1956, the same day as the massive women’s protest in Pretoria.

Chapter

Investigate the resurgent wave of international and domestic anti-apartheid activism that led to increased violence before both sides compromised over a legal conclusion to apartheid.

A group of mourners carry a United Democratic Front Banner during a mass funeral.

Chapter

Examine the continuing struggle for South Africa as it creates a representative democracy, attempts to heal from the legacy of apartheid, and searches for a new, inclusive identity.

The signing of the Republic of South Africa's Constitution in May 1996.

Special Thanks

This content was created in partnership with:

Boston University African Studies Center

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Confronting Apartheid