How Do Ideologies And Intentions Lead To The Cold War?
Opposing ideologies and intentions is what ultimately led to the Cold War, which was fought between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), between 1947 and 1991. After a hard fought victory for both sides in the Second World War, it was certainly undeniable that despite their alliance, there was a sense of rivalry and competition. The two parties would challenge one another in a series of proxy wars, attempting to influence certain regions, one of which would be South Africa.
In 1948, South Africa founded the National Party (NP), which would govern the country until 1994. With the new party in control, new policies were eventually established. Apartheid was one of these policies; it preached the segregation of different races within South Africa. Although the policy separated the white from the colored, it is believed that it was actually created due to a common fear towards communism from the right-wing politicians. This preoccupation with communists began due to related conflicts and a civil war in Angola, a neighboring country. Knowing that the US detested communism, the Apartheid regime was one that would be supported by the great power. The US would assist and aid the regime, with the help of its veto advantage.
Regardless of the anti-communist, …show more content…
and as a result anti-Soviet, attitude, there were many existing socialist parties. This would include the anti-Apartheid groups, which were abundant, as well as the African National Congress (ANC). The Soviet Union attempted to aid these groups and organizations. The ANC, at the time, was led by Nelson Mandela for he detested the white minority rule. He, as well as a large number of activists, took part in many protests and uprisings. These peaceful demonstrations eventually ended up in several deaths and riots. In 1960, the ANC, along with another minor Congress, were finally banned.
Despite the imprisonment of their leader, Nelson Mandela, the revolts against white rule only increased and tension rose rapidly. In 1976, more than 600 people were killed as a result of a clash between the armed forces and colored protesters, in Soweto.
Due to American support, the Apartheid was capable of maintaining its supreme power. South Africa was determined to assist any neighboring countries against any communist powers. This declaration came into action once the country helped fight the Angolan government, Cuba, and the Soviet Union within Namibia and Angola. These wars, which occurred through the 1960’s up until the 1980’s within certain regions of Africa, were part of the major proxy wars. The US, certainly, would support South Africa and a Portuguese colonial power. On the other hand, the USSR would support the South West African Peoples Organization (SWAPO) through supporting Cuba.
As conflict broke out in Southern Africa, the Cold War was being fought and the two great powers were competing in numerous fields. The US, meanwhile, did not halt its mass assistance towards the South African Apartheid regime; it did not allow its elimination.
Though, as the war approached its end, the United States found no reason in preventing the abolishment of the South African Apartheid regime and eventually ordered economic sanctions on South Africa in 1985.
The UN heavily criticized the Apartheid system and the US could not argue any longer; numerous US officials fancied an end to their alliance with South Africa. With the USSR’s collapse close, the US saw no harm in putting an end to South Africa’s effort in fighting communists. Moreover, the National Party could not continue to blame communism for its unjust actions. The end of Apartheid would bring back the ANC and allow South Africa to become a constitutional
democracy.
Overall, the Cold War undoubtedly affected South Africa. The country itself did not have a stated policy or definite stance on the whole situation. The white minority in control and supporters of the Apartheid were pro-American due to a mutual enemy, communism. Meanwhile, the nationalists, activists and most citizens were either neutral or pro-Soviet, looking for support from the USSR to help overthrow the Apartheid regime.
In 1948, South Africa founded the National Party (NP), which would govern the country until 1994. With the new party in control, new policies were eventually established. Apartheid was one of these policies; it preached the segregation of different races within South Africa. Although the policy separated the white from the colored, it is believed that it was actually created due to a common fear towards communism from the right-wing politicians. This preoccupation with communists began due to related conflicts and a civil war in Angola, a neighboring country. Knowing that the US detested communism, the Apartheid regime was one that would be supported by the great power. The US would assist and aid the regime, with the help of its veto advantage.
Regardless of the anti-communist, …show more content…
and as a result anti-Soviet, attitude, there were many existing socialist parties. This would include the anti-Apartheid groups, which were abundant, as well as the African National Congress (ANC). The Soviet Union attempted to aid these groups and organizations. The ANC, at the time, was led by Nelson Mandela for he detested the white minority rule. He, as well as a large number of activists, took part in many protests and uprisings. These peaceful demonstrations eventually ended up in several deaths and riots. In 1960, the ANC, along with another minor Congress, were finally banned.
Despite the imprisonment of their leader, Nelson Mandela, the revolts against white rule only increased and tension rose rapidly. In 1976, more than 600 people were killed as a result of a clash between the armed forces and colored protesters, in Soweto.
Due to American support, the Apartheid was capable of maintaining its supreme power. South Africa was determined to assist any neighboring countries against any communist powers. This declaration came into action once the country helped fight the Angolan government, Cuba, and the Soviet Union within Namibia and Angola. These wars, which occurred through the 1960’s up until the 1980’s within certain regions of Africa, were part of the major proxy wars. The US, certainly, would support South Africa and a Portuguese colonial power. On the other hand, the USSR would support the South West African Peoples Organization (SWAPO) through supporting Cuba.
As conflict broke out in Southern Africa, the Cold War was being fought and the two great powers were competing in numerous fields. The US, meanwhile, did not halt its mass assistance towards the South African Apartheid regime; it did not allow its elimination.
Though, as the war approached its end, the United States found no reason in preventing the abolishment of the South African Apartheid regime and eventually ordered economic sanctions on South Africa in 1985.
The UN heavily criticized the Apartheid system and the US could not argue any longer; numerous US officials fancied an end to their alliance with South Africa. With the USSR’s collapse close, the US saw no harm in putting an end to South Africa’s effort in fighting communists. Moreover, the National Party could not continue to blame communism for its unjust actions. The end of Apartheid would bring back the ANC and allow South Africa to become a constitutional
democracy.
Overall, the Cold War undoubtedly affected South Africa. The country itself did not have a stated policy or definite stance on the whole situation. The white minority in control and supporters of the Apartheid were pro-American due to a mutual enemy, communism. Meanwhile, the nationalists, activists and most citizens were either neutral or pro-Soviet, looking for support from the USSR to help overthrow the Apartheid regime.