Untitled Flashcards Set

Rivonia Trial

An 11-month trial that began in 1963 to determine Mandela’s guilt regarding recruiting and training for sabotage and violent revolution, resulting in his conviction and life sentence.

Youth League

An organization created in 1944 to serve as a more active and militant wing of the ANC.

Spear of the Nation

The armed wing of the ANC formed in 1961 to combat the government’s oppression using violent methods.

Sharpeville Massacre

A 1960 tragedy in which approximately 250 protestors were killed or wounded by police during a demonstration to overcrowd jails.

Freedom Charter

A 1953 manifesto outlining a bill of rights for all South Africans and defining the future democratic South Africa as envisioned by black South Africans.

SASO

South African Students Organization formed in 1969 by Steve Biko, questioning white participation in the black liberation movement and viewing oppression as a psychological problem.

African National Congress

A union formed in 1912, joined by Mandela in 1944, aimed at uniting black South Africans against the white Afrikaner government.

Children’s Crusade

A 1976 protest against educational inequalities, particularly the teaching of certain subjects in Afrikaans.

Defiance Campaign

The first nationwide protest against apartheid by the ANC in 1952, which called for defiance against oppressive laws.

Treason Trial

The 1956 trial of 156 defendants accused of treason for drafting the Freedom Charter, which lasted about 4.5 years resulting in acquittals for all.