What strategy did the African National Congress adopt during the Sharpeville Protest?

During the Sharpeville Protest, the African National Congress (ANC) initially adopted a strategy of nonviolent resistance. This approach was aligned with the broader philosophy of peaceful protest that sought to bring attention to the injustices of apartheid without resorting to violence. The Sharpeville massacre in March 1960, where police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration against pass laws, marked a significant turning point. It highlighted the failure of nonviolent methods in the face of brutal state repression and led to a shift in strategies among anti-apartheid groups, including the ANC.

While nonviolent resistance was the strategy during the protest itself, the violent response from authorities prompted the ANC to eventually reconsider its tactics, leading to the adoption of armed struggle shortly thereafter. Thus, while nonviolent resistance was a key aspect of their approach during the Sharpeville Protest, it triggered a shift toward more direct forms of resistance as the regime's violent reaction demonstrated the limitations of nonviolent action under such oppressive conditions.