1950s: Overview
The period of the 1950s is one in which liberation movements intensified their resistance. Whites also joined the struggle alongside Africans, Indians and Coloureds. It was a period in which their strength was put to the test. As the liberation movements intensified their efforts, the government was determined to come down heavily on them, and introduced the Suppression of Communism Act in 1950. However, in a determined reaction the liberation movements launched a Defiance Campaign in 1952. This Campaign brought Africans, Coloureds and Indians together against the common enemy and was a direct reaction by the liberation movements to the unjust laws passed by the government.
The other highlight of this period was the proliferation of the bus boycotts that started in Alexandra and spread to the Evaton and Pretoria areas. The boycotts in these regions took place in 1954 and 1957 respectively. 
Compiled May 2005
