What major event occurred in Sharpeville in 1960?

Prepare for the HSC Apartheid Exam. Use flashcards and questions with hints/explanations. Ace your test today!

In 1960, the Sharpeville massacre marked a significant turning point in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. On March 21 of that year, thousands of black South Africans participated in a peaceful protest against the pass laws, which restricted their movement and required them to carry passbooks. The protest was intended to showcase discontent with the oppressive apartheid regulations. However, the situation escalated when the police opened fire on the demonstrators, resulting in the tragic death of 69 people and injuring many others.

This event drew international attention to the harsh realities of apartheid and spurred greater activism, both within South Africa and globally. The violence at Sharpeville symbolized the extreme measures that the apartheid regime was willing to take to maintain control over the disenfranchised population, changing the course of resistance movements in the country. The massacre led to heightened awareness and condemnation of apartheid policies, solidifying opposition among both local and global communities.

While the other options refer to different possible outcomes, they do not capture the key moments or implications of the Sharpeville event itself, with option B providing a clear and accurate representation of the tragic incident that defined that day in history.

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