People's Army formed to fight against government

In 1961, the ANC and the South African Communist Party formed a people's army to fight the government. In the 1970's, the liberation of surrounding countries provided hope for the struggling South Africans. In the 1980's, the ANC, along with oppressed black South Africans, entered into a complete revolution against the government. This revolution included political and religious struggles, trade activities, women's campaigns, school boycotts, revolts and military actions. Due to these struggles and the implementation of UN sanctions in 1977, the government of South Africa was significantly weakened, but did not fall. It was not until the late 1980's and early 1990's did apartheid come to an end. In 1986, the United States Congress decided to involve itself in the South African on-goings by encouraging peace and supporting negotiations between the South African government, the ANC and their affiliates. The U.S. Congress' hopes were that a democracy would be established in South Africa.