Police begin forced removals from Sophiatown

The Federation of South African Women was launched in Johannesburg as a broad organization bringing women together across racial divisions. Its organizing connected opposition to apartheid with...

Vietnamese forces defeated the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu after a sustained siege. Military organization and civilian support helped confront an imperial army. The victory demonstrated the...

The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision grew from the actions of families, students and lawyers in several communities. It challenged the...

The Geneva Conference issued its final declaration concerning peace in Indochina after the defeat of French forces. It addressed sovereignty and a provisional military division of Vietnam, with...

The National Liberation Front issued a proclamation announcing its independence programme as armed actions began. It demanded restoration of Algerian sovereignty and the removal of colonial laws...

Claudette Colvin, a Black teenager in Montgomery, refused to give up her seat under segregated bus practices and was arrested. Her action preceded Rosa Parks’ arrest and the citywide boycott....

The inaugural conference of the South African Congress of Trade Unions concluded after meeting on 4–5 March. SACTU provided an organization for workers across racial divisions, including African...

Representatives of Asian and African countries opened the Bandung Conference in Indonesia. The gathering asserted their capacity to discuss international affairs and cooperation on their own terms. It...

The Bandung Conference adopted a communiqué condemning colonialism and racial discrimination, supporting self-determination and opposing cultural suppression. It expressed solidarity with people...

Delegates at Kliptown adopted the Freedom Charter after demands had been gathered from communities. Its programme linked equal political rights with land, work, education and shared resources. This...