SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS BETWEEN 1948 AND 1976

Question 1

1948 Election and National Party Victory

Answer 1

National Party’s unexpected win attributed to failures of the South African Party.
National Party’s campaign focus on apartheid, controlling Black influx, racial issues.
Reasons for victory: wartime irritation, increased living costs, dissatisfaction among white farmers.

Question 2

Apartheid Implementation

Answer 2

NP in power had two facets: white supremacy & Afrikaner nationalism.
Symbolic changes post-1948: abolishing British citizenship, anthem changes.
Apartheid impact: laws enforcing segregation, restricting non-white rights.

Question 3

National Party’s Motivations

Answer 3

Apartheid to ensure survival of white Afrikaner nation.
Aimed to protect economic privileges of white Afrikaners.
Total control over Black people socially, economically, and politically.

Question 4

Apartheid Laws

Answer 4

Grand apartheid: broader policies including homelands creation.
Petty apartheid: everyday practices enforcing racial segregation.

Question 5

Homelands (Bantustans) Policy

Answer 5

Verwoerd’s plan: separate development, economic dependence on white SA.
Flaws in policy: lack of real independence, economic self-sufficiency, international recognition.

Question 6

End of Apartheid and Homelands

Answer 6

Bantustans ceased to exist in 1994, reintegrated into nine provinces.