Why did apartheid in South Africa end during the 1990s?
The apartheid system in South Africa was ended through a series of negotiations between 1990 and 1993 and through unilateral steps by the de Klerk government. ... The negotiations resulted in South Africa's first non-racial election, which was won by the African National Congress.
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The African National Congress began calling for its dismantling and the United Nations responded. (Google)
Apartheid in South Africa ended during the 1990s due to a combination of internal and external factors. Here's how you can understand the reasons behind the end of apartheid:
1. Internal Pressure: Within South Africa, there were multiple factors that contributed to the decline of apartheid:
- Resistance Movements: The African National Congress (ANC) led a long and strong resistance movement against apartheid, mobilizing the majority Black population and gaining international support.
- Economic Factors: The apartheid regime faced increasing economic sanctions and boycotts, resulting in economic hardships and isolation.
- Social Unrest: Civil unrest and protests, coupled with international condemnation, put pressure on the apartheid government to relinquish its discriminatory policies.
2. Negotiations and Reforms:
- Political Reform: F.W. de Klerk, South Africa's president from 1989 to 1994, initiated a series of political reforms dismantling apartheid laws. He legalized political parties, released political prisoners, and lifted restrictions on the media.
- Negotiations: De Klerk and Nelson Mandela, then ANC leader, engaged in negotiations and discussions to bring about a peaceful transition to a nonracial democracy. These talks resulted in the eventual lifting of the ban on the ANC and other anti-apartheid organizations.
3. International Pressure:
- Economic Sanctions: The international community imposed economic sanctions on South Africa, restricting trade, investment, and cultural ties. These sanctions put significant pressure on the apartheid government to change its policies.
- Diplomatic Isolation: South Africa faced diplomatic isolation as many countries, especially those in Africa, boycotted the apartheid regime and supported the anti-apartheid movement.
4. The Election of Nelson Mandela:
- In 1994, South Africa held its first nonracial democratic elections, with Black South Africans participating fully for the first time. Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid leader, was elected as the country's first Black president, marking the official end of apartheid.
It's essential to note that this explanation provides a general overview of the reasons behind the end of apartheid. To delve deeper, researching specific events, policies, and key figures involved will provide a more comprehensive understanding.