HIST: Human Rights & Apartheid (Essential Flashcards)

Why was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) created?

After WWII, the United Nations created it to promote freedom, justice, peace, and equal rights for all people.

Why is 1948 an important year in South African history?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, but the National Party also came to power and began legally enforcing apartheid.

What is racism?

Discrimination or unfair treatment of people based on their race or skin colour.

What was apartheid?

A system of laws that separated people by race and gave white South Africans the most power and privileges.

Did racial segregation begin with apartheid?

No. Segregation already existed before 1948, but apartheid expanded and legalized it further.

What was the main goal of apartheid?

To maintain white political and economic control and keep racial groups separate.

What did the Population Registration Act (1950) do?

Required every South African to be classified by race.

Why was the Population Registration Act important?

Because all other apartheid laws depended on knowing a person's racial classification.

What did the Group Areas Act (1950) do?

Forced different racial groups to live in separate areas.

What was a major result of the Group Areas Act?

Many people were forcibly removed from their homes.

What did the Pass Laws Act (1952) do?

Required Black South Africans to carry passbooks to enter or remain in white areas.

Why were passbooks used?

To control the movement of Black South Africans.

What did the Bantu Education Act (1953) do?

Created a separate and inferior education system for Black South Africans.

What did the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act (1953) do?

Legalised separate public facilities for different races.

Give examples of facilities affected by the Separate Amenities Act.

Beaches, buses, parks, toilets, and waiting rooms.

What did the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act (1949) do?

Banned marriages between white people and people of other races.

What did the Immorality Amendment Act (1950) do?

Made sexual relationships between white people and people of other races illegal.

What is the key difference between Human Rights and Apartheid?

Human Rights promoted equality for all people, while Apartheid enforced inequality and racial separation.