In 1948, the National Party took over South Africa. The National Party had predominantly white members. They were the ones responsible for the apartheid policies.
REVOLUTION
WE DEMAND CHANGE
The apartheid laws put limits on people of color. They abused segregation, made marriage between races illegal. Non-white people lacked educational opportunities, and could only work low-paying manual jobs. Africans took up 75% of the population, but were restricted to only 13% of land.
RECOVERY
Hey, where are you going today ?
I'm going to vote for the first time today! It's awesome !
Fed up, all races began to protest against apartheid. The ANC, an organization wanting to fight against white domination, formed marches, strikes, and other demonstrations. The police would react with violence.
In Soweto, black schoolchildren were peacefully protesting, when police fired. Killing many people. Angered by the events that occured in Soweto, africans began rioting in the months ahead. In support, many countries reduce the economic ties with South Africa.
Slowly, they began to retreat from apartheid laws. In 1989, F.W de Klerk was elected president. He lifted the ban of rallies and legalized the ANC and other organizations. He released Nelson Mandela and repealed any remaining apartheid laws. The 1994 elections, allowed all races to vote. Nelson Mandela was elected president. Political violence decreased. They adopted a better, more liberating constitution in 1996.