The African National Congress (ANC) was successful in mobilizing masses to resist apartheid in the 1950s through various strategies. They organized protests, strikes, and campaigns, such as the Defiance Campaign of 1952 against discriminatory laws. The ANC's leadership, including figures like Nelson Mandela, played a crucial role in galvanizing support and spreading anti-apartheid sentiments. However, the extent of success varied due to government repression, arrests, and violent responses to demonstrations. Despite challenges, the ANC laid the groundwork for future resistance movements and international awareness, setting the stage for intensified efforts against apartheid in the following decades.