Question

Discuss the impact of the sharpville massacre to ordinary South Africans?​

Answer 1

South African History

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sharpeville Massacre, which occurred on March 21, 1960, was a turning point in the history of South Africa and had a profound impact on ordinary South Africans, particularly black South Africans who were the primary victims of the tragedy. The massacre took place when the South African police opened fire on a peaceful protest against the pass laws, which required black South Africans to carry identification documents and limited their freedom of movement. The protest resulted in the deaths of 69 people, most of whom were shot in the back while fleeing the scene.

The impact of the Sharpeville Massacre on ordinary South Africans was both immediate and long-lasting. In the short term, the massacre led to widespread anger and outrage among black South Africans, who saw the incident as a brutal example of the apartheid government's willingness to use violence to suppress dissent. The government's response to the massacre, which included a state of emergency, the banning of political parties, and the arrest of thousands of people, further increased tensions and led to a climate of fear and repression.

In the long term, the Sharpeville Massacre played a critical role in the struggle against apartheid. The incident galvanized the anti-apartheid movement both within South Africa and around the world. It sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations, including a boycott of white-owned businesses, which put pressure on the government to end apartheid. The massacre also led to the formation of armed resistance movements, such as Umkhonto we Sizwe, which was founded by Nelson Mandela and other members of the African National Congress in response to the violence.

In conclusion, the Sharpeville Massacre had a profound impact on ordinary South Africans. It led to increased tensions and repression in the short term, but also played a critical role in the struggle against apartheid in the long term. The massacre served as a powerful reminder of the need to fight against injustice and oppression, and inspired a generation of activists to continue the fight for freedom and equality.

Answer 2

The Sharpeville Massacre, as the event has become known, signalled thestart of armed resistance in South Africa, and prompted worldwide condemnation of South Africa's Apartheid policies. The events at Sharpeville deeply affected the attitudes of both black and white in South.