Apartheid
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Apartheid is an Afrikaans word meaning "separation" or "being apart". It is usually used to describe a policy that existed in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. This system was used to mistreat and deny rights to non-white people. The laws allowed the white minority to keep the black majority out of certain areas without special papers or permission. School subjects for Africans had to be taught in Afrikaans. Blacks were also not allowed to marry whites or vote.
Many countries and the United Nations were very upset at the South African government for these policies. There were protests in South Africa and many protesters were killed. Finally, after much struggle, the South African government ended apartheid in 1994. After that, everyone was allowed to vote. Nelson Mandela stood up to apartheid and became president when apartheid was ended.