“This is for all South Africans, an unforgettable occasion. It is the realisation of hopes and dreams that we have cherished over decades. The dreams of a South Africa which represents all South Africans.
It is the beginning of a new era. We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities, turmoil and conflict.
We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation building.
We sincerely hope that by the mere casting of a vote the results will give hope to all South Africans and make all South Africans realise this is our country. We are one nation.” i
Ten years after Nelson Mandela’s statement after the first democratic elections in South Africa, the nation is going to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the first elections on April 27, 2004.
I am trying to expound South Africa’s development from the foundation of the Union of South Africa to the elections of 1948 and the establishment and consolidation of the Apartheid regime to the peaceful revolution in the early 1990s in the following.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. South Africa after the foundation of the Union
- 2.1. South Africa in the 1910s
- 2.2. Election of 1924 and the economic crisis
- 2.3. South Africa during World War II
- 2.4. South Africa's black population
- 3. Apartheid
- 3.1. The elections of 1948
- 3.2. Rigid segregation: the establishment of Petty and Grand Apartheid
- 3.3. Resistance against the Apartheid regime
- 3.4. Homeland Policy
- 3.5. The Black Consciousness Movement
- 3.6. Reforming the Apartheid State
- 3.7. The end of Apartheid in South Africa
- 3.8. South Africa's first democratic elections
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to analyze the development of South Africa from the establishment of the Union in 1910 to the end of Apartheid. It explores the political landscape, economic shifts, and social changes that shaped the nation during this period.
- The political dynamics between Afrikaners and British in South Africa.
- The implementation and consequences of Apartheid policies.
- The economic factors influencing social and political change.
- Resistance movements against Apartheid.
- The transition to a democratic South Africa.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by referencing Nelson Mandela's post-election statement, highlighting the hope and optimism following the first democratic elections. It then frames the text's objective: to examine South Africa's development from the Union's foundation to the end of Apartheid, emphasizing the transition from an era of division to one of hope and nation-building.
2. South Africa after the foundation of the Union: This chapter offers a broad overview of South Africa's trajectory after the formation of the Union. It details the initial British-Afrikaner antagonism, examining the early elections and the rise of political parties such as the South African Party (SAP) under Louis Botha. The chapter touches upon South Africa's involvement in World War I, the emergence of Hertzog's National Party advocating for greater independence, and the far-reaching consequences of the Natives Land Act of 1913, which initiated the formal segregation of land and laid the groundwork for future Apartheid policies. The chapter also discusses the economic recession following World War I and the Rand Revolt of 1922, highlighting the tensions between white labor and the changing economic landscape.
2.1. South Africa in the 1910s: Following the Union's formation, this sub-section details the political landscape dominated by British-Afrikaner tensions and the struggle for independence and language equality. The 1910 elections, won by Botha's SAP, are analyzed, alongside South Africa's participation in World War I. The chapter further explores the internal divisions within the SAP, leading to Hertzog's departure and formation of the National Party, setting the stage for future political conflicts and the initial steps towards segregation. The implementation of the Natives Land Act of 1913, significantly impacting land ownership and racial segregation, is also a key focus.
2.2. Election of 1924 and the economic crisis: This section analyzes the 1924 election, a significant turning point where Hertzog’s National Party, in coalition with the Labour Party, gained power. The chapter explores the persistent issue of unemployment and the government's attempts to address it through initiatives like SANLAM and SANTAM, aiming to bolster the Afrikaner economy and counter British capital. It also details the passage of crucial legislation solidifying segregation, including the Native Urban Areas Act and the Immorality Act, illustrating the growing legal framework of racial discrimination. Furthermore, it examines the impact of the global economic crisis on South Africa and the subsequent political realignments.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Overview of South Africa from Union to the End of Apartheid
What is the main focus of this text?
This text analyzes the development of South Africa from the establishment of the Union in 1910 to the end of Apartheid. It explores the political landscape, economic shifts, and social changes that shaped the nation during this period, emphasizing the transition from division to hope and nation-building.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The text covers South Africa's history, divided into two main sections: "South Africa after the foundation of the Union" (including detailed subsections on the 1910s, the 1924 election and economic crisis, World War II's impact, and the Black population) and "Apartheid" (covering the 1948 elections, the establishment of Apartheid, resistance movements, the Homeland Policy, the Black Consciousness Movement, reforms within the Apartheid state, the end of Apartheid, and the first democratic elections).
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the political dynamics between Afrikaners and British, the implementation and consequences of Apartheid policies, economic factors influencing social and political change, resistance movements against Apartheid, and the transition to a democratic South Africa.
What does the chapter on "South Africa after the foundation of the Union" cover?
This chapter provides a broad overview of South Africa's trajectory after 1910, detailing initial British-Afrikaner antagonism, early elections, the rise of political parties (like the South African Party under Botha and Hertzog's National Party), South Africa's involvement in World War I, the Natives Land Act of 1913, the economic recession following World War I, and the Rand Revolt of 1922.
What are the key aspects discussed in the "Apartheid" section?
The "Apartheid" section delves into the 1948 elections, the establishment of Petty and Grand Apartheid, resistance movements against the regime, the Homeland Policy, the Black Consciousness Movement, reforms within the Apartheid state, the end of Apartheid, and South Africa's first democratic elections.
What is covered in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each chapter, including the introduction (which sets the stage using Nelson Mandela's post-election statement), the post-Union period, and detailed summaries of subsections within the "South Africa after the foundation of the Union" chapter. These summaries highlight key events, political figures, and legislation.
What specific events are detailed within the subsections of "South Africa after the foundation of the Union"?
Subsections detail South Africa in the 1910s (including the 1910 elections, the Natives Land Act of 1913, and the rise of Hertzog's National Party), the 1924 election and the ensuing economic crisis (including the impact of the global economic crisis and the passage of legislation solidifying segregation), and South Africa's involvement in World War II and its effects on the Black population.
What is the overall objective of this text?
The text aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of South Africa's development from its Union to the end of Apartheid, tracing political, economic, and social changes and highlighting the transition to democracy.
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- Felix Kaemmerer (Autor:in), 2004, South Africa - From Apartheid to democracy, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/21489
