The history of apartheid in South Africa changed the lives of its people and in many ways the world too. It was formally implemented in 1948 but its roots actually go back hundreds of years.

Colonization: the Early Years

As early as the 17th century, the continent was subjected to colonization by Europeans. The Dutch in particular set up several colonies. Aside from the fertile land, it was also filled with diamonds and other precious stones. The discovery of these diamonds led to the Dutch / English war in the 1900s.

There was a ceasefire and a power sharing agreement. It was also at the time that laws concerning the black people were enacted. These laws would be an important part in the history of apartheid.

Implementation

In 1948 the Afrikaner Party gained power. Their goal was to set down the rules that would ensure the separation of whites and blacks.

The enacted laws were created to cover every aspect of the lives of blacks and whites. Among the many laws were banning interracial marriages. There were also jobs that were created only for whites. In the 1950s, a measure called the Population Registration Act was passed. Basically it stated that there were only three races in South Africa: the whites, colored and blacks.

By definition the colored races included Asians, Indians, half blacks etc. Everyone was subjected to these laws. Refusal to recognize it meant severe punishment.

The Homelands Law

This law was an integral part in the history of apartheid in South Africa. This allowed the government could designate certain places or homelands for every black or colored resident. Their rights and privileges would be limited to that area. Before they can enter other parts of South Africa they would need documentation and other travel papers.

Another law was the Public Safety Act. These laws were designed to punish those who tried to go against this law. People could be locked up without trial for months on end. A lot of the black people who fought against these rules were detained for years. They were beaten and tortured. One of these was Nelson Mandela.

End of the Racial Discrimination

The final chapters of the history of apartheid would come in the early 1990s. International communities and nations condemned these laws and there was pressure for the government to repel these laws. As a result, its economic situation worsened. Mass demonstrations and rallies led to its dissolution. By the early 1990s the entire series of laws against blacks and minorities were repelled.

Free elections were held on April 27, 1994. Hundreds of thousands of South Africans participated in the exercise. Although there was violence in weeks prior to the elections, the day itself was quite peaceful. Today that date has become known as Freedom Day and is celebrated by the people.

The history of apartheid in South Africa is something that its people will never forget. It once again shows how through determination, the people can overcome the odds and regain their freedom.

The rich and colorful history of the U.S. is not complete without discussing the contributions of Abraham Lincoln. As the 16th U.S. President, he accomplished a lot of huge things and resolved crucial issues such as the eradication of slavery. He also led the country surpass the American Civil War. He successfully replaced James Buchanan. Soon after his death, Andrew Johnson succeeded him as the 17th president of the country. Here is a quick glance at U.S. history, particularly when Abraham Lincoln became president.

History

When did Abraham Lincoln become president? The people elected him on November 6th in 1860. After this momentous election, he assumed the role as the 16th President of the U.S. when he was inaugurated on March 4, 1861. In the process, he defeated Constitutional Union Party’s John Bell, the Southern Democrat John C. Breckinridge and Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. This impressive feat made him the first ever U.S. President-elect from the state of Illinois. His office lasted until April 15, 1865 right after his brutal assassination.

During his presidency, Lincoln clearly expressed his opposition against slavery in the country. Furthermore, he spent a lot of effort in order to succeed against the American Civil War. He did just that after he defeated Confederate States of America, which closely adhered to secessionism. More than anything else, his biggest accomplishment was the introduction of measures that eventually led to the removal of slavery in the country.

In the 1864 U.S. elections, he was reelected to the office of the president. After this significant event, he went on to promote Ulysses S. Grant as U.S. General-in-Chief. This move happened on March 12, 1864. As U.S. president, he led the country past the Civil War. It ended on April 9, 1865, when the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia commanding leader Robert E. Lee surrendered to him together with numerous other rebels.

Other Important Details and Information

On July 22, 1862, he expressed clearly his opposition against slavery in the country after he discussed the Emancipation Proclamation draft to the members of his cabinet. Aside from ending slavery, he also made some valiant efforts to preserve the Union. On September 22, 1862, he announced the proclamation to the public. It was implemented on January 1, 1863.

According to historians, his efforts to free the slaves helped him won the reelection bid. While watching the play entitled “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1865, a Confederate spy named John Wilkes Booth assassinated him. Until now, many people still consider Lincoln as one of the greatest U.S. presidents of all time.

Officially, the time when the Civil War began was in 1862. The battle was between the northern states known as the Union, and the southern states or Confederacy. The roots of the conflict however, were planted years earlier.

Issues that Led to Conflict

There were several issues that the two sides disagreed upon. These included trade and industry, where the northern states held an advantage. Tax levies were also problematic.

The biggest point of contention was slavery. The Union had declared slavery illegal but it was deemed a necessity in the south. Being dependent on agriculture, the southern states needed a labor force. Although there were other issues, it can be said that when the Civil War began and ended, it was mainly about slavery.

Beginnings of the Conflict

When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1880, South Carolina departed from the Union. It joined several other states that had seceded. A year after Lincoln’s election, half a dozen southern states left the Union. They joined forces and became known as the Confederate States of America. The root cause of their departure was Lincoln’s insistence that slavery be abolished.

In March 1861 Lincoln declared the secession as illegal. The Confederates responded by shooting at the Union troops in Charleston, South Carolina on April 12, 1862. That was the time when the Civil War began.

Major Battles

General George McClellan headed the Union Army. He was beaten by the Confederate forces led by General Robert Lee. He was replaced by John Pope, who was also defeated by Lee.

The Confederate victories would be short lived however. The Union used a strategy of blocking the south’s resources. As the ports were blocked by the Union, the Confederate were unable to reinforce their troops.

In July 1863 the Union took the offensive under Gen. Ulysses Grant. They attacked the Mississippi River and gained control of the area. This move cut the states from their allies. After cutting the supplies, the Union smashed the Confederate’s communications. General Grant also attacked Northern Virginia and defeated Gen. Lee. While Lee took control of Petersburg, his ally General Sherman captured Atlanta.

When the Civil War began, thousands of people volunteered to join. When it ended on April 9 1865, the Union had won. Over 600,000 soldiers died. Most of those who died did so in the major battles of First Bull Run, Shiloh, the Seven Days and the final Union siege. Eight months later, all the slave states were declared free.

The Aftermath

The 14th Amendment gave blacks citizenship. They were also given the right to vote. However there was still racial discrimination. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan attacked blacks especially in the southern states.

In most parts however the US experienced an economic boom. Decades after the war, settlers and immigrants came to America. Europeans also came in droves and help set up businesses. This led to increased prosperity across the country.

When the Civil War began, it devastated the country. In the end not only was slavery stopped, but economic prosperity followed.

Considered as one of the most popular Spanish-speaking countries, Mexico is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west and south as well as the United States on the north. This country is known to be the 11th most populous area in the world. It has a rich history, culture and heritage. For several centuries, the country was colonized by different countries including Spain. To know when Mexico gained independence, let us explore the historical events related to the colonization of the country by Spain as well as the start and end of the Mexican War of Independence.

The Colonization of Mexico

When did Mexico gain independence? The country gained freedom from Spaniards in 1830. The colonization of the country started in 1521 when the people of the Aztec Empire, the former name of Mexico, were defeated and conquered by Spaniards. The control of Spain over the country lasted for three centuries. At that time, the place was known to other civilizations as the New Spain.

The Mexican War of Independence was triggered by the invasion of Spain by Napoleon I. The invasion led to the opposition of wealthy landowners, political leaders and conservatives in Mexico to the social, economic and political policies implemented by Napoleon I. Because of this, an alliance between Mexican liberals and conservatives was formed. The alliance aimed for the independence of Mexicans from the Spaniards and the leadership of Napoleon I.

Other Relevant Information

The Mexican War of Independence was led by three popular political figures in the history of the country, namely Vicente Guerrero, Guadelupe Victoria and Francisco Javier Mina. This war coincided with the start of the Spanish Civil War, which increased the chances of rebels to win the war of independence. Another important event that improved the chances of Mexicans to win the war was the establishment of the Army of the Three Guarantees.

The number of the members of the army increased in the 1810s. Because of the increasing population of rebels in the area, the Treaty of Cordoba was signed between the Spanish government and the leader of the Army of the Three Guarantees, Agustin de Iturbide. From 1823 until 1829, Spaniards still tried to regain control over Mexico. Despite all the political strategies and military attacks implemented and initiated by Spain, the rebels continued to fight for their freedom. In 1830, the Spanish government finally proclaimed the independence of one of its colonies, Mexico.

It was in 1783 when the British Empire officially recognized American independence. So that’s the period most consider the time when the Revolutionary War ended. The succeeding years would prove critical in molding the new nation.

The Constitution

The American Constitution was created in 1787. Its emphasis was a strong government. Even during this time there were some who were loyal to the British Empire. Congress was given the power to quell any threats. President Washington meanwhile, provided the leadership needed at the time.

Expanding the Territory

As nationalism increased in America, one of the goals became territorial expansion. President Washington bought Louisiana from Napoleon. After the purchase America grew twice in size. It meant more resources and opportunities for the people. When the Revolutionary War ended, independence was the main goal. Now it was to secure more lands for its increasing population.

The War of 1812

Britain and France were locked in a dispute over territories, including American lands. In 1812, both the British and French captured US shops that were meant for trade. The US became infuriated because they were neutral, yet it was not respected by the warring nations.

Britain and America went to war again. It ended in 1815 with no clear winner, but the Americans felt triumphant. They had few weapons and little training, but once again the British couldn’t put them down. When the Revolutionary War ended, the British were beaten at Yorktown. This time they were routed at the Battle of New Orleans. Their superior navy also suffered major defeats.

American pride swelled even more during the war when Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner. It became the national anthem and inspired the Americans.

Creating Industries

Another crucial factor emerged during and after the war. Before, they were heavily dependent on Britain for goods and materials. The conflict made the Americans realize they could make their own industries. It bolstered their independence even more.

Increasing Influence

After the War of 1812, the country acquired more lands. In 1819, the Spaniards were forced to hand over Florida to the US after being defeated in battle. A few years later, President Monroe declared that the United States would not allow European states to take over the Latin American countries.

When the Revolutionary War ended, the Americans realized the value of independence. They didn’t want the other countries to go through what they did.

In the meantime, the US continued to expand. They took over Mississippi, and Alabama. In 1846 they went to war against Mexico. The Mexicans were defeated and lost half their territory. This included California, Texas and New Mexico. As the land grew, so did prosperity.

The Civil War

Prosperity would lead to rivalries and eventually the Civil War. Over 600,000 people perished. But when it ended, slavery was abolished and the country was stronger than ever.

When the Revolutionary War ended, the Patriots were faced with the difficult task of unifying a country. Through sheer will and determination, they were able to succeed. Within a few years, it would emerge as a major player in world affairs.