South African History: Colonialism, Apartheid, and Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the colonial history of South Africa, the system of Apartheid, the anti-Apartheid movement, and the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

Apartheid

A strict system of separation of the races in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela

A lawyer and political activist who led an anti-Apartheid movement, was imprisoned for 27 years, and became the first Black president of South Africa in 1994.

African National Congress (ANC)

An organization formed by native Africans to protest against their unfair treatment as second-class citizens.

F.W. de Klerk

The white president of South Africa who in 1990 removed Apartheid laws and allowed non-whites to vote in presidential elections.

Dutch

Colonists who founded a trade post in South Africa in the mid-1600s and were later forced into tribal territory by the British.

British

Colonizers who took control of South Africa in the 1800s, pushing the Dutch settlers into tribal territory.

1910

The year South Africa became the first African country to gain its independence.

Gold and Diamonds

Valuable natural resources discovered in South Africa that motivated many European settlers to remain there.

Townships

Segregated residential areas where Black South Africans were forced to live during Apartheid, which often lacked running water or electricity.

Embargoes

Refusals to trade placed on South Africa by other countries to exert economic pressure against the Apartheid system.

1990

The year Nelson Mandela was released from prison and South Africa began dismantling Apartheid laws.

1994

The year democratic presidential elections were held in South Africa and Nelson Mandela was elected as the nation's first Black president.

27 years

The total duration of time Nelson Mandela spent in prison while continuing to fight against Apartheid.