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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: Candidates should indicate to what extent the fall of the Berlin Wall paved the way for both the National Party and the African National Congress to start talks with each other and how these talks led to political changes in South Africa.
Answer
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant turning point in global politics, symbolizing the end of the Cold War. This event not only destabilized communist regimes in Eastern Europe but also created a ripple effect that reached South Africa. The National Party (NP) and the African National Congress (ANC) found themselves under increasing pressure to engage in dialogue as the geopolitical landscape shifted. The fall reinforced the idea that apartheid policies were unsustainable and that reform was necessary to maintain political stability.
Step 2
The collapse of the Soviet Union by the end of 1989 (Glasnost and Perestroika)
Answer
The disintegration of the Soviet Union led to a decline in communist influence globally. This encouraged the NP to reevaluate its position, as it could no longer rely on the security of being a global ally of anti-communism. The ANC saw this as an opportunity to push for negotiations, recognizing that their struggle against apartheid could gain momentum without the fear of a Soviet-supported uprising.
Step 3
The Soviet Union no longer regarded as a superpower
Answer
With the Soviet Union's reduced significance on the global stage, external support for the ANC increased. The NP realized that their strategy of confronting communism was failing, and it was imperative to shift toward dialogue. The absence of a formidable communist threat underpinned efforts for reconciliatory talks.
Step 4
External support for both the National Party and the ANC was fading
Answer
With the geopolitical changes, both factions faced diminishing external support. This realization set the stage for them to initiate negotiations as an avenue to garner stability and realign themselves to international perspectives advocating for democratic governance.
Step 5
Influential National Party members started to realize that apartheid was not the answer to the needs of white capitalist development
Answer
Prominent members within the NP recognized that sustained economic growth could not occur without including the majority of the population in the economic sphere. This led to a greater willingness to negotiate, marking a shift from an exclusionary policy to a more integrative approach.
Step 6
Conclusion: Candidates should tie up their argument with a relevant conclusion.
Answer
In conclusion, the fall of the Berlin Wall acted as a catalyst for discussions between the NP and ANC. It illustrated the global shift towards democratization and equality, prompting both parties to reconsider their strategies. The historical trends of 1989 and 1990 not only facilitated dialogue but also laid the groundwork for a transformed political landscape in South Africa, signaling a break from the rigidity of apartheid towards a new era of cooperation and eventual democratization.