Introduction to History – Grade 12
History in Grade 12 focuses on significant global and South African historical events, analyzing their causes, impact, and relevance to today’s world. The subject helps students develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills essential for careers in law, politics, journalism, and education.
Key Topics in Grade 12 History
1. The Cold War (1945–1990s)
- Origins of the Cold War (USA vs. USSR)
- Proxy wars (Korea, Vietnam, and Angola)
- The collapse of the USSR and the end of the Cold War
2. Civil Rights Movements
- The Civil Rights Movement in the USA (Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X)
- The Black Power Movement
- Resistance to racial discrimination in South Africa
3. Independent Africa
- Challenges faced by newly independent African countries
- Case studies: Congo, Tanzania, and Angola
- The role of leaders like Julius Nyerere and Patrice Lumumba
4. South Africa (1948–1994): Apartheid and Resistance
- The rise of apartheid (National Party policies, segregation laws)
- Internal resistance (ANC, PAC, Black Consciousness Movement)
- The role of Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, and other activists
5. South Africa’s Road to Democracy (1990–1994)
- Negotiations to end apartheid
- The role of FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela
- The 1994 democratic elections
6. Globalization and the Modern World
- The impact of globalization on economies, politics, and technology
- South Africa in the global economy
- The role of international organizations (United Nations, BRICS, IMF)
