Inquiries Filed Under:

Apartheid

About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the efforts made by individuals, organizations, and institutions that eventually resulted in the end of apartheid in 1994. By investigating the compelling question “What ended apartheid?” students focus on the policies of apartheid and consider the various endeavors to end this system of racial separation and constitutional prejudice in South Africa. In investigating the work of Nelson Mandela, South African organizations, and international institutions, students create an illustrated timeline that showcases the breadth of the struggle to end apartheid and begin to evaluate the reasons that apartheid officially ended. Students’ illustrated timelines could take any form and might include photographs, quotes, textual evidence, and/or personal annotations.

Compelling Question

What Ended Apartheid?

Staging Question

Students examine various maps of the “homelands” in South Africa and discuss the implications of, and challenges to, this physical separation.

Supporting Question

What was apartheid?

Formative Tasks

Create an illustrated timeline of apartheid policies and write a definition for apartheid.

Sources

Source A: Description and photo of the Pass Laws Source B: Description and map of the bantustans, or “homelands” Source C: Description and photo of forced removal efforts

Supporting Question

What efforts were made by Nelson Mandela to end apartheid?

Formative Tasks

Add Nelson Mandela’s efforts to end apartheid to the illustrated timeline and write a two-sentence, evidence-based summary of them.

Sources

Source A: Excerpt from Mandela’s statement from the dock at the opening of the defense case in the Rivonia Trial Source B: Video What efforts were made by Nelson Mandela to end Apartheid? Source C: Excerpt from “Nelson Mandela, the Man Who Brought South Africa Out of Apartheid, Dies at 95”

Supporting Question

What efforts were made by groups within South Africa to end apartheid?

Formative Tasks

Add the efforts of others in South Africa to end apartheid to the illustrated timeline and write a two-sentence summary using evidence.

Sources

Source A: Excerpt from “A brief history of the African National Congress” Source B: Excerpt from “Our History, Standing for Human Rights—The Black Sash, 1955–2014” and photo Source C: Excerpt from “A Brief Organizational History of the South African Students Organization (SASCO) and the Student Movement”

Supporting Question

What efforts were made by international bodies to end apartheid?

Formative Tasks

Add international bodies’ efforts to end apartheid to the illustrated timeline and write a two-sentence summary using evidence.

Sources

Source A: Excerpt from address by Nelson Mandela to the conference of the Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa Source B: Excerpt from United States Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act Source C: Excerpt from “United Nations: Partner in the Struggle against Apartheid”

Summative Performance Task

Argument: What ended apartheid? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: The year 2019 will mark the 25th anniversary of the end of apartheid. Hold a class discussion on what should be done to celebrate the event, including who and what should be remembered.

Taking Informed Action

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