How significant were the Soweto riots of June 1976 in weakening the system of apartheid?
Level
O LEVEL
Year Examined
2020
Topic
SOUTH AFRICA, c.1940–c.1994
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How significant were the Soweto riots of June 1976 in weakening the system of apartheid?
How Significant Were the Soweto Riots in Weakening Apartheid?
The Soweto riots of June 1976 were a watershed moment in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. While they undoubtedly contributed to the eventual dismantling of the system, their significance in weakening apartheid must be considered alongside other crucial factors.
The Immediate Impact of the Soweto Riots
The riots, sparked by the forced imposition of Afrikaans language in schools, revealed the brutal reality of apartheid to the world. The deaths of hundreds of black students, many under the age of 18, at the hands of the police, shocked the international community. Images of the violence, particularly the iconic photograph of Hector Pieterson, a 13-year-old victim, galvanized international condemnation of the apartheid regime.
The riots also had a significant internal impact. Inspired by Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement, young people across South Africa rose up in protest. The scale of the unrest and its duration demonstrated the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by black South Africans. The riots marked a turning point, shifting the struggle against apartheid from passive resistance to active defiance. Thousands fled South Africa, joining the ranks of the ANC and other liberation movements in neighboring countries, further intensifying the armed struggle.
The Long-Term Impact and Other Factors
While the Soweto riots were a pivotal moment, it is important to acknowledge the significance of other factors in dismantling apartheid.
International pressure played a crucial role. The UN had already declared apartheid a "crime against humanity" in 1973. Following the Soweto riots, international condemnation intensified. Sporting sanctions, such as the cancellation of the 1970 South African Cricket tour to England, and later, economic sanctions imposed by the US and EEC, put significant pressure on the South African government. For instance, Chase Manhattan Bank's refusal to lend money to South Africa had a major impact on the country's economy.
Internal resistance also played a crucial role. The growth of the trade union movement, particularly after the recognition of black trade unions in 1979, led to widespread strikes and economic disruption. The ANC's campaign to “Make apartheid unworkable” through civil disobedience and armed struggle further weakened the regime.
The changing global political landscape also contributed to apartheid’s demise. The end of the Cold War meant that South Africa was no longer a strategically important ally for the West in the fight against communism. This, coupled with the growing international pressure, forced the government to the negotiating table.
Conclusion
The Soweto riots were a significant turning point in the struggle against apartheid. They exposed the brutality of the regime to the world, galvanized international condemnation, and ignited a new wave of internal resistance. However, the dismantling of apartheid was the culmination of a long and multifaceted struggle. International pressure, economic sanctions, internal resistance, and the changing global political landscape all played crucial roles. The Soweto riots were a catalyst for change, but it was the combined force of these factors that ultimately led to the end of apartheid.
Sources:
- "A History of South Africa" by Frank Welsh
- "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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Outline:
I. Significance of Soweto Riots (1976)
A. Direct challenge to apartheid state due to Black Consciousness movement.
B. Widespread violence and international condemnation.
C. Triggered further riots and resistance.
D. Damage to South African economy and international investment.
E. Sent thousands of protesters into exile for guerrilla training.
F. Strengthened international isolation and pressure on South Africa.
II. Limitations of Soweto Riots
A. Not the only major factor in weakening apartheid.
B. More significant: international sanctions and boycotts, especially economic sanctions in the 1980s.
C. Botha's reforms and recognition of black trade unions gradually eroded apartheid.
D. Political reform without full black inclusion led to further protest and violence.
E. Economic problems and the end of the Cold War contributed to apartheid's demise.
F. Key individuals (Mandela, Tutu, etc.) played significant roles in the anti-apartheid movement.
III. Conclusion
A. While the Soweto Riots were a major event in the struggle against apartheid, they were not the sole factor that weakened the system.
B. A combination of international pressure, domestic resistance, and economic factors contributed to the eventual dismantling of apartheid.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
How significant were the Soweto riots of June 1976 in weakening the system of apartheid? Explain your answer.
YES –
Soweto riots (1976) took place in the black township 10 miles outside of Johannesburg; black students inspired by Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness movement was a direct challenge to the apartheid state; students and young people were inspired by Steve Biko’s ideas and the Black Consciousness Movement – 575 people were killed by the authorities, many under the age of 18; news of the violent reactions of the authorities spread across South Africa and the world; led to further riots and violent demonstrations across South Africa; caused a dramatic and immediate fall in the share prices of gold and diamonds as international community communities and investors reacted; led to thousands of African protestors fleeing across the border to Tanzania and Angola where they trained as guerrilla fighters for future resistance; UN declared apartheid to be a ‘crime against humanity’ in 1973, etc.
NO –
More significant – International sanctions and boycotts: most effective were sports’ sanctions (1970 South African Cricket tour to England was cancelled) and later in the 1980s US and EEC economic sanctions (e.g. Chase Manhattan Bank refused to lend money to South Africa); Botha’s reforms to the constitution led to ‘petty apartheid’ and increased calls for further lifting of apartheid restrictions; recognition of black trade unions in 1979 including their right to strike – by 1986, 6 million days of work lost due to strike action; political reform did not include black people and led to further protest and violence; petty apartheid encouraged further demands for reform; role of Mandela, De Klerk, Tambo, Slovo, and Tutu; economic problems in the 1980s led to increased rioting over rents and shortages; end of the Cold War left South Africa a less useful ally against Communism; ANC resistance increased – ‘Make apartheid unworkable’, etc.