Apartheid

Quick Facts: Who was Apartheid?

Subject:

Apartheid

Known for:

System of institutionalized racial segregation in South Africa, 1948–1994.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Apartheid ( ə-PART-(h)yte, especially South African English: ə-PART-(h)ayt, Afrikaans: [aˈpart(ɦ)əit] ; transl. 'aparthood') was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to 1994. It was characterized by an authoritarian political culture based on baasskap (lit. "boss-ship" or "boss-hood"), which ensured that South Africa was dominated politically, socially, and economically by the nation's minority white population. Under this minoritarian system, white citizens held the highest status, while other groups were classified as Indian/Asian, Coloured and Black African, with differing rights and privileges.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Broadly speaking, apartheid was delineated into "petty apartheid", which entailed the segregation of public facilities and social events, and "grand apartheid", which strictly segregated housing and employment opportunities by race. Public facilities were often just divided into those for Whites and those for "Non-Whites". The first apartheid law was the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act, 1949, followed closely by the Immorality Amendment Act of 1950, which made it illegal for most South African citizens to marry or pursue sexual relationships across racial lines. The Population Registration Act, 1950 classified all South Africans into racial groups based on appearance, known ancestry, socioeconomic status, and cultural lifestyle: "Black", "White", "Coloured", and "Indian". Places of residence were determined by racial classification.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Between 1960 and 1983, 3.5 million Black Africans were removed from their homes and forced into segregated neighbourhoods as a result of apartheid legislation, in some of the largest mass evictions in modern history. Most of these targeted removals were intended to restrict the black population to ten designated "tribal homelands", also known as bantustans. Apartheid sparked significant international and domestic opposition, resulting in some of the most influential global social movements of the 20th century. It was the target of frequent condemnation in the United Nations and brought about extensive international sanctions, including arms embargoes and economic sanctions on South Africa. Internal resistance to apartheid became increasingly militant during the 1970s and 1980s, prompting brutal crackdowns by the National Party-led government and protracted sectarian violence that left thousands dead or in detention.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1948: 1948 Milestone — 'aparthood') was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to 1994.
2. 1949: 1949 Milestone — The first apartheid law was the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act, 1949, followed closely by the Immorality Amendment Act of 1950, which made it illegal for most South African citizens to marry or pursue sexual relationships across racial lines.
3. 1950: 1950 Milestone — The Population Registration Act, 1950 classified all South Africans into racial groups based on appearance, known ancestry, socioeconomic status, and cultural lifestyle: "Black", "White", "Coloured", and "Indian".

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Apartheid

True or False: “The concept of 'apartheid' was first recorded as a word in the early 20th century, long before its implementation.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): While racial discrimination predates the term, the Afrikaans word 'apartheid' was first recorded in 1929.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Alan García — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.
• Abdullah Gül — Historical peer (Born in 1950) (1950): Turkish politician who served as President (2007-2014) and Prime Minister.
• Agnes Smedley — Historical peer (Died in 1950) (1950): American journalist and activist supporting Indian Independence and Chinese Communism.
• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Sudanese military officer and leader who assumed control of Sudan in 2019.
• Adam Clayton — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Irish-English bassist and founding member of the globally renowned rock band U2.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apartheid