How did the Sharpeville Massacre change the anti-apartheid movement?

The Sharpeville Massacre intensified the anti-apartheid movement, leading to the radicalisation of resistance and international condemnation of South Africa's apartheid regime.

The Sharpeville Massacre, which occurred on 21st March 1960, was a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement. The brutal killing of 69 peaceful protesters by South African police shocked the world and exposed the violent nature of the apartheid regime. This event led to a significant shift in the strategies and tactics of the anti-apartheid movement.

Prior to Sharpeville, the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid groups primarily advocated for non-violent resistance. However, the massacre led to a radicalisation of the movement. The ANC and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) both abandoned their previous commitment to non-violence. The ANC established Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), a military wing to carry out acts of sabotage against the apartheid government. The PAC also formed a military wing, Poqo, which engaged in guerrilla warfare. This shift towards armed resistance marked a significant change in the anti-apartheid movement.

The Sharpeville Massacre also had a profound impact on international perceptions of apartheid. The event was widely reported and condemned, leading to increased international pressure on the South African government. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 134, condemning the incident and calling for an end to apartheid. This was the first time the Security Council had taken such a stance on an internal issue of a member state, reflecting the severity of the situation. The massacre also led to South Africa's expulsion from the Commonwealth in 1961.

Furthermore, the massacre galvanised public opinion within South Africa and internationally. It led to widespread protests and strikes across South Africa, demonstrating a heightened level of public opposition to apartheid. Internationally, it spurred the growth of the anti-apartheid movement, with increased support for boycotts and sanctions against South Africa.

In conclusion, the Sharpeville Massacre was a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid movement. It led to a radicalisation of the resistance, increased international condemnation of apartheid, and galvanised public opposition to the regime.