Resistance grew in tandem with oppression, led by groups like the and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) .
: The Population Registration Act of 1950 classified all citizens into four groups: White, Black (Bantu), Coloured (mixed race), and Indian/Asian. South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid
: Global boycotts, trade embargoes, and economic sanctions from countries like the U.S. and UK crippled the South African economy. Resistance grew in tandem with oppression, led by
: The end of the Cold War removed the government's excuse that it was a "bulwark against communism," making it easier for Western allies to withdraw support. and UK crippled the South African economy
: Non-whites were required to carry "passes" (internal passports) to enter or work in white-only areas; failure to produce one resulted in immediate arrest.
: Ongoing strikes, township revolts, and the work of the United Democratic Front (UDF) made the country nearly ungovernable.