Which of the following was more effective in the development of opposition to Apartheid in the period from 1978 to 1989? International opposition South African Church leaders Explain your answer with reference to (i) and (ii).
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Non-British period study: Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948-1999
👑Complete Model Essay
Which of the following was more effective in the development of opposition to Apartheid in the period from 1978 to 1989? International opposition South African Church leaders Explain your answer with reference to (i) and (ii).
The Effectiveness of International Opposition and South African Church Leaders in the Development of Opposition to Apartheid (1978-1989)
The dismantling of apartheid in South Africa was a complex process that involved a confluence of factors. While various groups played a role, the effectiveness of international opposition and South African Church leaders in developing anti-apartheid sentiment is undeniable. This essay will argue that while both were crucial, international opposition was ultimately more effective in dismantling the apartheid regime.
(i) International Opposition
International opposition to apartheid took many forms, including economic sanctions, sporting boycotts, and diplomatic pressure. The United Nations played a crucial role by adopting numerous resolutions condemning apartheid and imposing sanctions. These sanctions, while controversial, had a significant impact on the South African economy, highlighting the international community's disapproval and prompting some businesses to withdraw their investments.
The cultural boycott was another significant aspect of international opposition. The Sporting boycott, orchestrated by the United Nations, led to South Africa's exclusion from major international sporting events. This exclusion isolated South Africa and deprived the regime of its propaganda tools, as sporting victories were often used to legitimize apartheid. This boycott also raised global awareness of the injustices of apartheid.
Finally, the international community's pressure for the release of Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader, was instrumental in weakening the regime. Mandela's release in 1990 signaled a significant shift in the global perception of apartheid, further isolating the regime and paving the way for negotiations.
(ii) South African Church Leaders
South African Church leaders, particularly Archbishop Desmond Tutu, played a crucial role in the development of opposition to apartheid. Tutu emerged as a vocal critic of apartheid, using his position to denounce the regime's policies and advocate for a just and equitable society. He gained international recognition for his work with the South African Council of Churches, highlighting human rights abuses and calling for non-violent resistance.
Church leaders, like Tutu, provided a moral compass for the anti-apartheid movement, promoting the ideals of reconciliation and forgiveness. They provided vital support to anti-apartheid activists, organizing protests, offering shelter to those persecuted by the regime, and raising awareness about the injustices faced by black South Africans.
Conclusion
While both international opposition and South African Church leaders were crucial in the development of opposition to Apartheid, international opposition was undeniably more effective. The economic pressure exerted by international sanctions, the global condemnation through the cultural and sporting boycotts, and the international demand for Nelson Mandela's release all contributed significantly to the dismantling of the apartheid system.
While Church leaders played a vital role in raising awareness and promoting moral conscience, they lacked the power to impose significant pressure on the regime. Ultimately, international pressure, particularly in the form of economic sanctions and the demand for political reform, proved more effective in dismantling apartheid and paving the way for a new South Africa.
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Which of the following was more effective in the development of opposition to Apartheid in the period from 1978 to 1989? International opposition or South African Church leaders?
This essay will argue that international opposition was more effective in the development of opposition to Apartheid in the period from 1978 to 1989. While the South African Church leaders, such as Desmond Tutu, played a significant role in raising awareness and advocating for non-violent protest, the international community’s actions, particularly economic sanctions and sporting boycotts, exerted greater pressure on the Apartheid regime, ultimately contributing to its dismantling.
I. International Opposition
A. Economic Sanctions:
International economic sanctions, imposed by various countries and organizations, significantly weakened the Apartheid regime. The United States’ Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 imposed strict economic sanctions, including the banning of new investments and the prohibition of imports from South Africa. The European Union also implemented similar measures. These sanctions crippled South Africa’s economy, impacting its financial stability and international standing. The economic cost of Apartheid became a major factor in persuading the South African government to consider reforms.
B. Sporting Boycotts:
The international sports boycott played a crucial role in exposing the Apartheid regime’s brutality and isolating it from the global community. The 1980 Moscow Olympics saw the exclusion of South Africa due to the country’s discriminatory policies. The United Nations also adopted resolutions urging sporting bodies to cease participation in events involving South Africa. This sustained pressure forced South Africa’s isolation in the sporting world, further increasing the cost of Apartheid and weakening its legitimacy.
C. International Pressure for the Release of Nelson Mandela:
The international community’s sustained pressure for the release of Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-Apartheid leader, contributed to his eventual freedom in 1990. International organizations, governments, and individuals across the globe campaigned for Mandela’s release, acknowledging his role as a symbol of resistance against Apartheid. Mandela’s release became a watershed moment, signifying the growing international opposition to Apartheid and paving the way for negotiations towards a democratic South Africa.
II. South African Church Leaders
A. Raising Awareness and Moral Condemnation:
South African Church leaders, led by prominent figures like Desmond Tutu, played a vital role in raising awareness about the injustices of Apartheid. They condemned the regime’s discriminatory policies and highlighted the human rights violations experienced by Black South Africans. The Church’s moral authority and its influence within South African communities helped to mobilize public opinion against Apartheid.
B. Advocating for Non-violent Protest:
Church leaders emphasized the importance of non-violent resistance to Apartheid. They encouraged peaceful protests and civil disobedience as legitimate tools to challenge the regime. The Church's stance on non-violence helped to foster a sense of unity and purpose among those opposed to Apartheid, contributing to a more cohesive and peaceful movement.
III. Conclusion:
While the South African Church leaders played a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting non-violent resistance, international opposition proved to be more effective in dismantling Apartheid. The economic sanctions, sporting boycotts, and international pressure for the release of Nelson Mandela exerted significant pressure on the Apartheid regime, ultimately leading to its demise. The international community’s actions demonstrated the global condemnation of Apartheid and the power of collective action in achieving political change.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Opposition to Apartheid (1978-1989)
Both international opposition and South African Church leaders were important in the development of opposition to Apartheid in the period from 1978 to 1989.
International Opposition
International opposition, such as economic boycotts on South Africa, boycotts of sporting events, and the international pressure for the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, contributed to the dismantling of apartheid.
South African Church Leaders
South African Church leaders, such as Desmond Tutu, played a key role in raising awareness of the injustices of apartheid and promoting civil rights. They also advocated for non-violent protest.
International Community
The international community also played a key role in promoting the anti-apartheid movement, with the UN adopting a number of resolutions condemning apartheid.