Briefly describe the Anti- Apartheid Movement.

The Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) was a name given to the
British Organization that sought to voice opposition and dissent to the practices of
apartheid by the South African government.  In a unique move, the organization
recognized that political dissension was impervious to the South African government. In
this, it was remarkably radical for its time in advocating an economic boycott against
South African made goods.  The AAM  understood that over time, the economic sanctions of
consumer boycotting South African made goods would hurt indigenous business, most of
which refused to acknowledge the problem of apartheid anyway, and bring pressure to bear
on the South African government for change.  Consider its message to consumers in
1959"

We are
not asking you, the British people, for anything special. We are just asking you to
withdraw your support from apartheid by not buying South African
goods.

From this point, the
AAM actively campaigned against the South African government.  In a real interesting
move, the organization recognized that Western governments, notably Britain and the
United States, did not share their zeal in fighting the South African government.  This
collusion of business and political interests caused the organization to appeal directly
to the United Nations and other organizations through which direct consumers and people
were reached.  It was very insightful and represents stinging rebuke of their own
governments' practices of doing business with the business leaders and political leaders
of South Africa.  Through its consistent and continual efforts, pressure was brought to
bear and while the AAM might not be directly responsible for the fall of apartheid, it
must be credited with recognizing the need to demand change and fight for this call in a
manner that reflects commitment and passion towards a powerful
cause.