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Explain to what extent the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 paved the way for the National Party and the African National Congress to begin talks - NSC History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 6
Explain to what extent the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 paved the way for the National Party and the African National Congress to begin talks. Substantiate your ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain to what extent the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 paved the way for the National Party and the African National Congress to begin talks - NSC History - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Introduction: Indicate the extent to which the fall of the Berlin Wall paved the way for talks
Answer
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, which had a profound impact on global politics. This event signified the end of the Cold War and pressure on apartheid South Africa to reform. The National Party and the African National Congress (ANC) began to acknowledge that continuing to operate in isolation was no longer feasible. Thus, the fall of the Berlin Wall served as a catalyst for initiating discussions.
Step 2
The collapse of the Soviet Union disintegrated by the end of 1989 (Glasnost and Perestroika)
Answer
The disintegration of the Soviet Union during this period reduced the influence of communist ideologies globally. The National Party realized that their reliance on a hypothetical communist threat could no longer justify their policies. As the USSR's power diminished, the apartheid regime felt increasing pressure to enter negotiations with the ANC.
Step 3
External support for both the National Party and the ANC was fading
Answer
With diminishing support from the superpowers, both the National Party and the ANC recognized the need to initiate talks. The geopolitical landscape suggested that the status quo was unsustainable. Thus, negotiations appeared to be the most viable option to seek resolutions to conflict.
Step 4
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and its impact
Answer
The battle highlighted the costs of continued conflict in Southern Africa. The ANC's success in this military engagement emphasized their capability, while also demonstrating to the National Party that military solutions were increasingly futile. This led to negotiations as the more favorable path.
Step 5
The Western world supported peaceful resolutions
Answer
International pressure mounted on South Africa to resolve apartheid issues peacefully. The Western nations' advocacy for democratic reforms created an environment where both parties saw talks as the only logical step to avoid further isolation and potential sanctions.
Step 6
Conclusion: Tying up the argument with a relevant conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent global changes it heralded laid substantial groundwork for the National Party and the ANC to engage in negotiations. Recognition of the unsustainability of apartheid, coupled with external pressures and changing world dynamics, made discussions a necessary avenue for both entities to address their political futures.