Which factor contributed to the end of apartheid by joining global efforts beyond South Africa itself?

Which factor contributed to the end of apartheid by joining global efforts beyond South Africa itself?

• A. The rise of a global anti-apartheid movement and sanctions
• B. The expansion of sanctions by Western governments
• C. The maintenance of the status quo by the government
• D. The creation of new apartheid policies

Answer: (B)

External pressure through sanctions played a decisive role. When Western governments expanded sanctions, trade, finance, and investment into South Africa were increasingly restricted. This raised the cost of maintaining apartheid for the regime, pushed the economy toward strain, and delegitimized the government on the world stage. That combination—economic pressure plus international stigma—made reform more thinkable and pushed negotiations forward. The broader global anti-apartheid movement and sanctions helped, but the strongest, most effective external factor in mobilizing change was the intensified sanctions from Western powers. Maintaining the status quo or creating new apartheid policies would not contribute to ending it.

External pressure through sanctions played a decisive role. When Western governments expanded sanctions, trade, finance, and investment into South Africa were increasingly restricted. This raised the cost of maintaining apartheid for the regime, pushed the economy toward strain, and delegitimized the government on the world stage. That combination—economic pressure plus international stigma—made reform more thinkable and pushed negotiations forward.

The broader global anti-apartheid movement and sanctions helped, but the strongest, most effective external factor in mobilizing change was the intensified sanctions from Western powers. Maintaining the status quo or creating new apartheid policies would not contribute to ending it.