![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Gold and mining remained the biggest industry in the country, but manufacturing had begun to expand significantly as a result of the war and the need for various supplies. The war had a huge social and economic effect on South Africa. This party would play an enormous role after the War.įor more on South Africa's role in World War II, see our Grade 12 lesson, 1924-1948: South Africa's Foreign Relations. When Hertzog left the United Party in 1939, he joined the HNP. They formed the Reunited National Party or Herenigde Nationale Party (HNP) led by DF Malan. South Africa then joined the war on the Allies' side, and fought major battles in North Africa, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Italy.Īt the time of the coalition, a group within the National Party, opposed to the United Party, broke away from the NP. Hertzog resigned as Prime Minister of the country, and was succeeded by Smuts. Hertzog preferred that South Africa remain neutral in World War Two, while Smuts wanted to fight on the side of the Allies. At that point, the country was led by the United Party, a coalition of the National Party (NP) of J B M Hertzog and the South African Party (SAP) of J C Smuts. The issue caused a split in South African politics. Many of them were of German descent and identified with Germany's fight against Britain. Although South Africa was still a British territory many Afrikaners felt closer to the Germans. In South Africa, people were divided as to whether or not they should join the war, and if so, on whose side they should fight. In September 1939, World War II broke out. Joyce (2000), Suid-Afrika in die 20ste eeu Kaapstad: Struik, p.107. General Smuts signing the agreement at the first meeting of the UN General Assembly. ![]()
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