[Note: This is not an in-depth, historical research project, but rather a unit activity to acquaint
students with the historical aftermath of a literary novel.]
Web-Based Internet Activity
APARTHEID TIMELINE
INTERNET ACTIVITY
The purpose of creating this timeline is to understand what happened in South Africa after the
time of Cry the Beloved Country. Before creating a timeline, it is important to gather some basic
information in order to understand the major events you choose for your timeline. This activity
involves a three-step investigation before you create your timeline (directions to follow).
Step 1: Understanding Apartheid
Step 2: Identifying important people
Step 3: Identifying important events
Step 1: Use the links below to define (briefly in your own words) the following:
Apartheid
Apartheid laws
Bantustans
National Party (NP)
African National Congress (ANC)
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761561373/Apartheid.html
http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/hands-onclassroom/classroom/pages/projects/grade9/lesson6/02-what-was%20apartheid.htm
Step 2: Identifying important people
In your own words, write a sentence or two about the following people:
Nelson Mandela
Steve Biko
Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd
F.W. de Klerk
http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/people/bios/verwoerd-hf.htm
http://africanhistory.about.com/od/countryhistoryatoz/u/PeoplePlaces.htm#s3
http://www.zar.co.za/bio.htm
Step 3: Events
The timeline begins in 1948 when The NP comes to power and introduces Apartheid in South
Africa. In this last step, you will select the events for your timeline. Begin by skimming and
scanning the following websites as a way to gain a sense of the overall apartheid era (the big
picture). Keep a list of the events that seem to be the most important. Review your list and
select a minimum of 15 events. Include the date and a one or two sentence summary. Note that
the majority of websites are actually from South Africa!
http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/chronology/chronology.htm
http://www3.northstar.k12.ak.us/schools/nph/twt/apart/timeline.htm
http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/hands-onclassroom/classroom/pages/projects/grade9/lesson6/lesson-feature-link.htm
http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/hands-onclassroom/classroom/pages/projects/grade9/lesson6/chronology.htm#
http://www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/discrim/race_b_at_print.asp
http://africanhistory.about.com/library/bl/blSAApartheidFAQ.htm
Creating your Timeline
A timeline is a chronological and visual way to communicate information. The more interesting
your timeline, the more inviting it is to read. Use color and include images! The following
websites can help you create your timeline. Get creative!
http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/materials/bigtimeline/
http://dohistory.org/on_your_own/toolkit/timeline.html
http://www.microsoft.com/Education/TimelinesWord.mspx