Photo AI
Explain the consequences of the Sharpeville Massacre. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 6
Explain the consequences of the Sharpeville Massacre.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the consequences of the Sharpeville Massacre. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify two significant consequences of the Sharpeville Massacre.
Answer
-
Shift to Armed Struggle: The Sharpeville Massacre marked a critical turning point in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. The incident prompted the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) to reconsider their strategies. Following the massacre, the leaders of these organizations felt that non-violent protests were insufficient, leading to a significant shift towards armed struggle as a means to achieve liberation.
-
International Awareness and Support: The massacre drew global attention to the brutality of the apartheid regime. As a result, numerous international organizations and countries began to condemn South Africa's policies. This increased international solidarity and support for the anti-apartheid movement, which included sanctions and diplomatic pressure against the apartheid government.
Step 2
Explain the long-term implications of these consequences.
Answer
The decision to pursue armed struggle led to the formation of military wings within the ANC, namely Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which engaged in sabotage against government installations and escalated the conflict. Furthermore, the surge in international awareness cultivated a supportive global environment that strengthened the resolve of the South African resistance movement. This international backing was crucial during the liberation struggle, leading to sanctions and boycotts that placed significant economic pressure on the apartheid regime.
In the long run, these consequences contributed to the eventual negotiations to end apartheid and facilitated the transition to a democratic South Africa.