Apartheid Policy of 1948

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The Apartheid policy of 1948 is one of the most influential policies in African history. Even before its inception in 1948 segregation was a prominent issue. The Apartheid policy molded the culture of Africa from the time it was initiated until it was finally officially abolished in 1990, although, the effects of the policy can still be seen today. During the 1948 elections the Reunited National Party won on a platform in which the Apartheid policy was the main focus. After winning Daniel Francois Malan and the RNP joined with the Afrikaner party and created a coalition government. Winning this election would allow Malan to pass the Apartheid policy and go on to be the first Apartheid prime minister. The Apartheid separated Africa into four racial groups: white, black, coloured, and Indian, and these four categories were split into thirteen racial federations. The Apartheid policy is made up of dozens of different legislation acts; some under the category of grand Apartheid and others known as petit or petty Apartheid. The grand Apartheid focused on segregating races on a large scale. People were forced to live in separate places defined by race. Petty Apartheid focused on legislation involving individuals. The prohibition of Mixed Marriages and The Immorality Act (Unlawful racial intercourse) are examples of petty Apartheid. As more legislation was added to the Apartheid internal unrest began to build. Many uprisings and protest were met with vicious police brutality, which in turn, created more praise and support from locals. In 1960, the Pan Africanist Congress organized a demonstration in Sharpeville. 5,000-7,000 protestors marched on to the local police station. These protesters were offering themselves up for arrest because they were not carrying their required pass books. The protest turned violent and 69 protestors were killed. The Sharpeville Massacre
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