Congress of the People and the Freedom Charter (1955–1956)

1. Z. K. Matthews proposes a “Congress of the People”

   Jan 1, 1953Labels: Z K, African National

   • Congress People

2. Organising committees launch the “freedom demands” campaign

   Jan 1, 1954Labels: Congress Alliance, Local committees

   • Mandela Found
   • Congress People

3. Congress Alliance plans Charter-ratification gathering

   Jun 23, 1955Labels: Congress Alliance, Kliptown planning

   • Congress People

4. Congress of the People opens in Kliptown

   Jun 25, 1955Labels: Kliptown, Congress of

   • Internal Resist
   • Kliptown

5. Freedom Charter is adopted at Kliptown

   Jun 26, 1955Labels: Freedom Charter, Kliptown

   • O Malley
   • Mandela Found
   • SA Gov

6. Police disrupt proceedings and record delegates’ details

   Jun 26, 1955Labels: South African, Kliptown

   • Mandela Found
   • Internal Resist

7. Special Branch raids target Congress Alliance activists

   Jan 1, 1956Labels: Security Branch, Congress Alliance

   • ANC

8. Mass arrests launch the Treason Trial case

   Dec 5, 1956Labels: Treason Trial, Mass arrests

   • ANC
   • SAHO

9. First Treason Trial court proceedings at Drill Hall

   Dec 19, 1956Labels: Drill Hall, Treason Trial

   • 1956 SA

10. Indictment revised; separate trial proceeds against 30

    Nov 1, 1957Labels: Prosecution, Separate trial

    • 1956 Trial

11. Preparatory examination continues; charges reduced

    Jan 1, 1958Labels: Preparatory examination, Prosecution

    • ANC
    • 1956 Trial

12. Main Treason Trial begins in the Supreme Court

    Aug 1, 1959Labels: Supreme Court, Main trial

    • 1956 Trial
    • ANC

13. All remaining defendants acquitted in Treason Trial

    Jan 1, 1961Labels: Treason Trial, Acquittal

    • ANC
    • SAHO