Why Was The National Party Victorious In 1948?

Question 1

Who was the leader of the National Party in 1948?

Answer 1

Malan

Question 2

Growth of Afrikaner nationalism

Answer 2

Idea of ‘folk’ (Afrikaans for ‘people’) with distinct identity
Society of white Afrikaner men ‘Broederbond’
Christian, nationalist, republican outlook
Incl. religious institutions
Many opposed decision to go to war in 1939

Question 3

Human rights internationally after WWII

Answer 3

Major powers increasingly articulated concern for universal human rights
War against fascism and legacy of holocaust

Question 4

1948 election

Answer 4

Smuts playing major role in UN and allied victory over fascism flirted with more liberal policies, NHS serve both black and white
Insecure whites threatened by developments, national party accuse Smuts of not controlling political danger of sexual relations
Smut’s United Party won 49% but Westminster constituency system gave Malan opportunity

Question 5

Results of election

Answer 5

Smuts won larger percentage but Malan with more National Party MPs formed govt and became PM

Question 6

Who was the leader of the United Party in 1948?

Answer 6

Smuts and Hertzog