THE IMMEDIATE REACTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH TO THE SHARPEVILLE MASSACRE WAS THE

• A. expulsion of South Africa from the organization ✓
• B. invitation of South Africa to a negotiation
• C. organization of anti-apartheid conferences
• D. declaration of an anti-apartheid year

The answer to the question is: A. expulsion of South Africa from the organization

The immediate reaction of the Commonwealth to the Sharpeville massacre was the expulsion of South Africa from the organization. The Sharpeville massacre occurred on March 21, 1960, in the township of Sharpeville, South Africa, when police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people and injuring over 180. The event sparked international outrage and condemnation, leading to various responses from different countries and organizations.

The Commonwealth, a political association of 54 member states, initially responded to the Sharpeville massacre by expelling South Africa from the organization. This decision was a significant diplomatic move that demonstrated the Commonwealth’s strong stance against the apartheid regime and its violent suppression of civil rights. By expelling South Africa, the Commonwealth sent a clear message that it would not tolerate such egregious human rights violations within its member states.

The expulsion of South Africa from the Commonwealth had far-reaching implications for the country’s international standing and diplomatic relations. It isolated South Africa politically and economically, signaling to the world that the apartheid regime would face increasing pressure and scrutiny on the global stage.

The expulsion also paved the way for further international actions against apartheid, including sanctions and diplomatic efforts to isolate the South African government until it dismantled its discriminatory policies. Ultimately, the Commonwealth’s response to the Sharpeville massacre played a crucial role in galvanizing global opposition to apartheid and advancing the cause of racial equality in South Africa.