history essay about afrikaner nationalism

Afrikaner Nationalism Essay For Students in English

Table of Contents

Introduction

Assuring and preserving Afrikaner interests was the primary objective of the National Party (NP) when it was elected to power in South Africa in 1948. After the 1961 Constitution, which stripped black South Africans of their voting rights, the National Party maintained its control over South Africa through outright Apartheid.

Hostility and violence were common during the Apartheid period. Anti-Apartheid movements in South Africa lobbied for international sanctions against the Afrikaner government following the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, which resulted in the deaths of 69 black protestors (South African History Online).

Apartheid was not adequately representing the interests of Afrikaners, according to many Afrikaners who questioned the NP’s commitment to maintaining it. South Africans refer to themselves as Afrikaners both ethnically and politically. Boers, which means ‘farmers,’ were also referred to as Afrikaners until the late 1950s.

Afrikaner Nationalism Essay Full Essay

Although they have different connotations, these terms are somewhat interchangeable. The National Party represented all South African interests prior to Apartheid as a party opposing British imperialism. Therefore, nationalists sought complete independence from Britain not just politically (White), but also economically (Autarky) and culturally (Davenport).

Afro-African, black, colored, and Indian were the four main ethnic groups in South Africa during this time period. At the time, the ruling class was made up of white people who spoke Afrikaans: they claimed blacks and coloreds were brought over for work involuntarily during settler-colonialism, so they did not have a history or culture. Therefore, Afrikaner nationalism served as a preservationist ideology (Davenport) for the white heritage.

South African History

Increasing participation of Indian people in government and politics indicates that Afrikaner nationalism is becoming more inclusive as Indians are recognized as South Africans.

During Apartheid, white South Africans spoke Afrikaans, a language derived from Dutch. As an official language of South Africa, Afrikaner has become an increasingly common term to describe both an ethnic group and its language.

The Afrikaans language was developed by the poor white population as an alternative to the standard Dutch language. Afrikaans was not taught to black speakers during Apartheid, which resulted in it being renamed Afrikaner instead of Afrikaans.

The Het Volk party (Norden) was founded by D.F. Malan as a coalition among Afrikaner parties, such as the Afrikaner bond and Het Volk. The United Party (UP) was formed by J.B.M. Hertzog in 1939 after he broke away from his more liberal wing to form three consecutive NP governments from 1924 to 1939.

Black South Africans were lobbied successfully for more rights during this period by the opposition United Party, which eliminated racial segregation into separate spheres of influence known as Grand Apartheid, which meant whites could control what blacks did in their segregated neighborhoods (Norden).

National Party

South Africans were classified into racial groups based on their appearance and socio-economic status under the Population Registration Act enacted by the NP after defeating the United Party in 1994. In order to build a strong base of support for its political party, the NP joined forces with the Afrikanerbond and Het Volk.

It was founded in 1918 to address inferiority complexes created by British imperialism (Norden) among Afrikaners by “ruling and protecting” them. It was exclusively white people who joined the Afrikaner bond since they were only interested in shared interests: language, culture, and political independence from the British.

Afrikaans was officially recognized as one of the official languages of South Africa in 1925 by the Afrikaner bond, which established the Afrikaanse Taal-en Kultuurvereniging. Also, the NP began supporting cultural activities such as concerts and youth groups in order to bring Afrikaners under one banner (Hankins) and mobilize them into a cultural community.

There were factions within the National Party that were based on socioeconomic class differences, rather than being a monolithic body: some members recognized that they needed more grassroots support to win the 1948 elections.

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Afrikaner Nation

By promoting Christian nationalism to South Africans, the National Party encouraged citizens to respect rather than fear their differences, thus gaining votes from Afrikaners (Norden). The ideology could be considered racist since no equality was recognized between races; rather, it advocated controlling the region assigned to blacks without integrating them into other groups.

As a result of Apartheid, black and white residents were segregated politically and economically. Because whites could afford better housing, schools, and travel opportunities, segregation became an institutionalized socioeconomic system that favored rich whites (Norden).

By gaining the Afrikaner population vote in 1948, the National Party slowly came to power despite early opposition to Apartheid. They officially established Apartheid one year after winning the election, as a federal law allowing white South Africans to participate in political representation without the right to vote (Hankins).

In the 1950s, under Prime Minister Dr. NP, this harsh form of social control was implemented. By replacing English with Afrikaans in schools and government offices, Hendrik Verwoerd paved the way for the development of an Afrikaner culture where white people celebrated their differences rather than hid them (Norden).

A mandatory identification card was also issued by the NP to blacks at all times. Due to the lack of a valid permit, they were prohibited from leaving their designated region.

A system of social control was designed to control the black movement by white police officers, causing natives to be afraid of traveling into areas that were assigned to other races (Norden). As a result of Nelson Mandela’s refusal to submit to minority rule by whites, his ANC became involved in resistance movements against Apartheid.

Through the creation of bantustans, the nationalist movement maintained Africa’s poverty and prevented its emancipation. Despite living in a poor region of the country, southern Africa people had to pay taxes to the white government (Norden) because bantustans were lands specifically reserved for black citizens.

As part of the NP’s policies, blacks were also required to carry identity cards. In this way, police were able to monitor their movement and arrest them if they entered another race’s designated area. “Security forces” took control of townships where blacks protested unfair government treatment and were arrested or killed.

Besides being denied representation in Parliament, black citizens received significantly fewer educational and medical services than whites (Hankins). Nelson Mandela became the first president of a fully democratic South Africa in 1994 after the NP ruled apartheid-era South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

A majority of NP members were Afrikaners who believed that British imperialism had “ruined” their country after World War II due to British imperialism (Walsh). Also, the National Party used ‘Christian Nationalism’ to win Afrikaner people votes by claiming that God created the world’s races and must therefore be respected rather than feared (Norden).

Nevertheless, this ideology could be viewed as racist since it did not recognize equality between races; it merely argued that blacks should remain independent within their assigned regions rather than integrate with others. Due to the NP’s complete control over Parliament, black Citizens were not oblivious to apartheid’s unfairness but were powerless to address it.

As a result of British imperialism after the first world war, Afrikaners overwhelmingly supported the National Party. This party sought to create a separate culture where whites would have sole responsibility for government. Architect of apartheid Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd promoted intense segregation between blacks and whites during his Prime Ministership between 1948 and 1952.

The Nordics believed that differences should be embraced rather than feared because there are irreconcilable differences in which one group will always dominate. Although Hankins suggested black citizens remain in their bantustans rather than integrating with other cultures (Hankins), he failed to recognize these ‘irreconcilable’ groups as equals.

In addition to requiring blacks to carry identity cards, the NP passed laws to make them do so. The police were able to monitor their movements more easily as a result. If caught crossing into an area designated for another race, they were arrested.

Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black president (Norden) on April 27th, 1994, marking the end of apartheid. In his speech after becoming president, Mandela explicitly stated that he had no intention of disparaging Afrikaners. He instead sought to enhance the positive aspects while reforming “the less desirable aspects of Afrikaner history” (Hendricks).

When it came to apartheid’s sins, he advocated Truth and Reconciliation rather than retribution, allowing all sides to discuss what happened without fear of punishment or retaliation.

Mandela, who helped create the new ANC government after losing the election, did not dissolve the NP but rather promoted reconciliation between Afrikaners and non-Afrikaners by bringing Afrikaner culture and traditions to the forefront of racial reconciliation.

Despite their ethnicities, South Africans were able to watch rugby games together because the sport became a unifying factor for the nation. The black Citizens who played sports watched television, and read newspapers without fear of persecution were Nelson Mandela’s hope for them (Norden).

Apartheid was abolished in 1948, but Afrikaners were not fully eliminated. While the interracial sport does not necessarily mean the NP is no longer ruling the country, it does bring hope for future South African generations to be able to reconcile with their past rather than live in fear.

South African blacks are less likely to perceive whites as oppressors because they are more involved in Afrikaner culture. Once Mandela is out of office, it will be easier to achieve peace between blacks and whites. Aiming to build better relationships between races is more important now than ever before, as Nelson Mandela will retire on June 16th, 1999.

Under Nelson Mandela’s administration, Afrikaners once again felt comfortable with their status in society because the white government was brought into the 21st century. President Jacob Zuma is almost certain to be reelected to South Africa’s top job in 2009 as the leader of the ANC (Norden).

Conclusion,

Since the NP had a plurality of power based on support from Afrikaner voters, they were able to retain control over Parliament until they lost their election; thus, whites were worried that voting for another party would lead to more power for blacks, which would lead to a loss of white privilege due to affirmative action programs if they voted for another party.

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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Nationalism — The Spread of Afrikaner Nationalism in South Africa

The Spread of Afrikaner Nationalism in South Africa

• Categories: Nationalism South Africa

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Published: Feb 12, 2019

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Introduction, the great trek: a battle for survival, the ‘poor white problem’, afrikaner nationalism essay conclusion.

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History Grade 11 - Topic 4 Source-based Questions

QUESTION 1: HOW WAS AFRIKANER NATIONALISM PROMOTED IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE 1930s TO 1940s?

Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow.

• Refer to Source 1A.

The source below describes the reasons for the rise of Afrikaner Nationalism.

 It was resentment (anger) over the unequal distribution of status, wealth, political control and the fear of cultural absorption into an English oriented society, which aroused Afrikaner Nationalism. Their remarkable recovery from defeat has been a decisive fact in twentieth-century South African history, with far-reaching consequences not only for the composition and character of the white elite, but also for those excluded from ordinary civil rights.

The story of Afrikanerdom’s regeneration from the ashes of its 1902 defeat to undisputed (certain) mastery of South Africa is a remarkable one, elaborately romanticised by Afrikaner publicists as a modern version of a minuscule (small) Afrikaner David slaying the British Goliath.

The treks to the cities, coupled with the Boers’ defeat at the hands of the British were the two forces that decisively moulded (shaped) Afrikaner Nationalism. Beginning with the mineral revolution, industrialisation turned the Boers into an urban proletariat (worker) in the employment of a foreign, capitalist class. The fact that English speakers monopolised (controlled) finance, commerce and mining, persuaded Afrikaners that their national and class enemy was one and the same. Afrikaner Nationalism therefore launched a three pronged (split) struggle: cultural, economic and political.

[Accessed on https://www.ecexams.co.za/2020_November_Gr_11_Exemplars.htm ) Accessed on the 25th of August 2021]

• According to the source, what are some of the factors which gave rise to Afrikaner Nationalism? (2 x 1) (2)
• It was for political control
• Resentment over the unequal distribution of status between the Afrikaners and English society
• Feared cultural absorption.
• Use your own knowledge to name the population group that was excluded from ordinary civil rights in South Africa. (1 x 2) (2)
•  Black South Africans.
• Comment on the meaning of the following statement, “The Afrikaner David slaying the British Goliath”, with regard to the rise of Afrikaner Nationalism. (2 x 2) (4)
• It means that Afrikaners had established their separate identity
• Various organisation had been established by Afrikaners to promote their political, social and economic rights.
• Afrikaners had established themselves as a volk.
• Name the TWO factors that decisively moulded Afrikaner Nationalism. (2 x 1) (2)
•  Their trek to cities.
• When the Boers were defeated by the British.

The source below describes how the Band of Brotherhood (Broederbond) contributed in the promotion of Afrikaner Nationalism.

The Afrikaner- Broederbond’s aim is the promotion of the Afrikaners political, cultural and economic interest. The Afrikaner Broederbond is an extremely exclusive, secret Afrikaner nationalist organisation which in a symbiotic (co-operative) relationship with the National Party has played a determining role in the political development of South Africa.

Membership of the Afrikaner Broederbond is limited to men. The Broederbond demands high cultural, family-related, religious, moral and political standards from its members. To qualify, a person must meet the following requirements: he must be a member of one of the traditional Afrikaans churches, must have attended an Afrikaner school, must have married an Afrikaans-speaking wife and he must support the ‘right’ party, the National Party. Definite disqualifications are being divorced and irregular church attendance.

Although the constitution of the Afrikaner Broederbond excludes party politics from its activities, it has become clear over the years that the organisation does have significant political clout (influence). It was increasingly used as a ‘think tank’ and subsequently as “legitimator” of new policy directions undertaken by the National Party. It established numerous support organisations to broaden Afrikaner interest and made it its business to appoint, promote and protect the “right man.” An important strategy is that of gaining control of school committees, school boards, church councils and board of directors in order to achieve its aims.

[Accessed from https://omalley.nelsonmandela.org/omalley/index.php/site/q/03lv02424/04lv02730/05lv03188/06lv03190.htm on the 25th August 2021]

1.2.1 What, according to the source, was the aim of the Afrikaner Broederbond? (1 x 2) (2)

Their aim was the promotion of Afrikaner cultural and economic aspirations or interests.

1.2.2 Why, do you think, the Afrikaner Broederbond was regarded as an extremely exclusive, secret Afrikaner organisation? (2 x 2) (4)

• The organisation only accepted Afrikaans speaking white people as part of their organisation.
• The membership of the Broederbond was extremely secretive as no one really knew who belonged to the organisation.

1.2.3 Comment on why the Afrikaner Broederbond did not remain an anti-political organisation. (2 x 2) (4)

• Broederbond members also formed part of the National Party members.
• These members held key positions within the National Party.
• Members of the Broederbond wanted to political power to remain in the hands of the Afrikaner people.

  1.2.4 Quote evidence from the source that indicates not all Afrikaans speaking whites could become members of the Afrikaner Broederbond. (2 x 1) (2)

• “ Membership of the Afrikaner Broederbond is limited to men”
• “To qualify, a person must meet the following requirements: he must be a member of one of the traditional Afrikaans churches, must have attended an Afrikaner school, must have married an Afrikaans-speaking wife and he must support the ‘right’ party, the National Party”

This source depicts the role played by the National Party in consolidating Afrikaner Nationalism.

https://omalley.nelsonmandela.org/omalley/cis/omalley/OMalleyWeb/03lv02424/04lv02730/05lv03188/06lv03210.htm

The present day National Party emerged from the Purified National Party (PNP). This faction of the original National Party of 1914 was built on deep-seated Afrikaner Nationalism. The birth of the NP was not only the result of a power struggle between English and Afrikaans-speaking communities, but also of an anti-imperialist attitude among Afrikaners. The Afrikaner wanted to play a more significantly political role in society and government. They also had a clear aim to physically, socially and politically separate South African blacks, coloureds and Indians.

 The NP was increasingly seen by Afrikaners as the institution which would further their group interest. The party was complemented by cultural, social, economic and religious organisations created exclusively for Afrikaners. Along with Nasionale Pers, the Afrikaner-Broederbond, Sanlam, AVBOB, the Voortrekkers, FAK, Helpmekaar, KWV and Volkskas, the NP became a growing Afrikaner power group. The party organised Afrikaner interest in a coordinated manner, making itself felt in every sphere of South African society.

The year 1938 was important for the PNP for another reason. It was the centenary of the Great Trek and Afrikaner sentiments were heightened as a result. It was also time for Malan to strengthen his racial policies for the benefit of Afrikanerdom and strive for a resurgent (increasing) Afrikaner Nationalism. From now on, mixed marriages would be punishable, to put an end to racially mixed residential areas and to implement both economic and political segregation between whites and “non-whites”. Malan also aimed to guard his country against the outside external influences of capitalism and communism

 Accessed from [ https://omalley.nelsonmandela.org/omalley/cis/omalley/OMalleyWeb/03lv02424/04lv02730/05lv03188/06lv03210.htm on the 25 th August 2021]

1.3.1 In your own words, define Afrikaner. (1 x 2) (2)

• The unity of a specific language group.

1.3.2 Why, do you think, there was a strong anti-imperialist (British) attitude amongst Afrikaners? (2 x 2) (4)

• The Afrikaners had lost their independence to the British.
• The Afrikaners wanted to play a more significant role in society and government.

  1.3.3 Name any TWO organisations that were exclusively created for Afrikaners. (2 x 1) (2)

• Nasionale Pers.

  1.3.4 Use your own knowledge to explain how the interests of Afrikaners were promoted by the National Party. (2 x 2) (4)

• There were laws that exclusively reserved jobs for white people.
•  Black people in South Africans were not to have any political rights in ‘white’ areas.
• Different racial groups were geographically separated by races.

[Accessed from https://www.ecexams.co.za/2020_November_Gr_11_Exemplars.htm ) on the 25th of August 2021]

1.4.1 What message does the poster convey with regards to the promotion of Afrikaner Nationalism by the National Party? (2 x 2) (4)

• It encourages white people to for the National Party in order for political power to remain in the hands of the white minority.
• To preserve South Africa for whites only

1.4.2 Name any TWO strange elements that the voters are being warned of. (Use visual clues from the poster to answer the question.) (2 x 1) (2)

• Capitalists

1.5 Comparing Sources 1C and 1D. How does the information on the sources support each other regarding the manner in which the National Party played in the promotion of Afrikaner Nationalism?  (2 x 2) (4)

• In both Source 1C and 1D, it shows that the National Party wanted Afrikaners to dominate South Africa
• Both Sources show that the National Party had not tolerance for imperialists as 1C echoes this when it shows Malan’s aims to guard South Africa against outside influences of Capitalism and Communism.
• Source 1D further supports this when it the poster shows how the NP was determined to protect South Africa from outside forces.

1.6 Using your own knowledge, combining it with the relevant sources, write a paragraph of approximately SIX line (+-60 words) in which you explain how Afrikaner Nationalism was promoted in South Africa from the 1930s to the 1940s. (6)

• The trek to the cities combined with the Boer defeat at the hands of the British was what shaped Afrikaner Nationalism as shown by Source 1A
• Afrikaner Nationalists then began an economical and political struggle
• The Afrikaner Broederbond were the vehicle for this struggle
• Different exclusively Afrikaner organizations were formed to promote Afrikaner Nationalism such as the Nasionale Pers.
• Once the NP took over, they put laws in order to promote the interests of Afrikaner people.
• As a result, the NP united Afrikaner people and revived Afrikaner Nationalism.

QUESTION 2: HOW DID THE SIX-DAY WAR BETWEEN THE JEWS AND ARABS INTENSIFY TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN THE 1960s?

Carefully read Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D and then answer the questions which follow.

Below is source 2A which focuses on what caused the Six-Day War.

The United Nations were unable to keep the peace for long. Eleven years after the Suez War another war erupted. Israel had continued to build up its armed forces by purchasing supplies from Britain, France, the USA and West Germany; the Arab states were supplied by the USSR.

Despite the presence of the United Nations, border skirmishes continued between the Israelis and Palestinian guerrilla groups. Groups such as Fatah and the Palestine Liberation Organisation were a constant problem for the Israeli security forces and those who lived in settlements near the borders.

 By 1967, Nasser felt that the Arab forces were strong enough to defeat Israel. In May, Nasser ordered the UN forces out of Egypt and he then closed the Gulf of Aqaba to Israel, blockading the port of Eilat. There were also troop movements near Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan (whose forces were supplemented by Iraqi, Saudi Arabian and Algerian troops).

[Accessed from https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/ on the 26 th August 2021]

  2.1.1 Quoting from the source, what indicates that both the Arabs and the Israelis were preparing for war? (1 x 2)

• “ Israel had continued to build up its armed forces by purchasing supplies from Britain, France, the USA and West Germany”
• “ the Arab states were supplied by the USSR.”

2.1.2 In your own words, to what extent do you think the UN was successful in resolving issues in Palestine? (1 x 2)

• They were not successful because border conflict continues.
• The PLO and Al Fatah were a persistent problem for Israeli army.

2.1.3 Why do you think the Israeli were constantly under threat from the Arab forces? (1 x 2)

• There was conflict over who had the rightful claim to land.
• Israel’s determination to have their own homeland.

[Accessed from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Jew-and-the-tank%3A-Habit-and-habitus-towards-a-Monk/1b3a64a672495e55e200083f5e95e34ea67dfa76 on the 26th August 2021]

2.2.1 What message is being conveyed in relation to the Arab-Israeli conflict? (1 x 2)

• The Arab League were united in being against Israel
• Israel was isolated and surrounded by Arab military forces.
• The Arab League was powerful as shown by the tanks and were not intimidated by Israel.

2.2.2 Using your own knowledge in combination with the sources, explain how the cartoonist portrays the following:

a) The Arab League (1 x 2)

• United and Powerful

b) Israel (1 x 2)

• Isolated and weak.

2.2.3 Using your knowledge about the period, explain whether the cartoonist is biased in how he portrayed both the Arab League and Israel (1 x 3)

• The cartoonist is biased towards the Arab League
• In reality, the Arab forces were not this strong, and therefore this cartoonist is being biased towards them
• The cartoonists does not show the support Israel received from outside forces in Western countries such as the USA.
• Israel were fighting the Arab League on their own
• They did not have support from other countries.

2.3 Comparing Sources 2A and 2b, explain why this cartoon is effective in showing some of the challenges which Israel faced as shown in Source 2A. (2 x 2)

• Source 2A shows how different groups such as the PLO and Fatah were constantly a problem for Israel and how Nasser prepared to defeat Israel.
• Source 2B shows how Israel was attacked by the Arab League.

Below, the source is focused on Israeli offenses against the Arab states.

At 07:45 on 5 June 1967 Israeli Mirage jets launched a surprise attack on Egyptian air bases. Flying low and maintaining strict radio silence, they destroyed Egyptian airfields and aeroplanes. Later that day another wave of Israeli jets knocked out the Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi air forces. Although only one day old, the war was virtually over. With the Egyptian air force knocked out, Israeli land forces swept across the Sinai Desert. As Egyptian troops retreated they were ensnared at the Mitla Pass, where they were bombed by Israeli planes. Within six days Egyptian troops had been pushed back to the Suez Canal.

Elsewhere the Israelis met with the same stunning success. The West Bank and Jerusalem were taken from Jordan. At the Wailing Wall, Defence Minister Moshe Dayan exclaimed: 'We have returned home to this most sacred of shrines never to part from it again.' On the northern front Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria. By 10 June the Arabs stood defeated and demoralised. For Israel the war had been a spectacular success. It had acquired more than 70 000 square kilometers of territory and now had defensible borders. On the debit side, however, about 350 000 new refugees were created and Israel had to deal with the problem of governing another million Arabs.

2.4.1 Looking at the source, why was Israel successful in this Six-Day War? (1 x 2)

• Because they flew low and maintained strict radio silence, they were able to demolish Egyptian airfield and aeroplanes.
• Israeli jets also launched surprise attacks on Egyptian air bases.

2.4.2 List THREE reasons as to why the Six-Day War was a military success from an Israeli perspective. (3 x 1)

• The West Bank along with Jerusalem were taken from Jordan
• The war was essentially over within one day
• Within those six days, Egyptian soldiers had been pushed back to the Suez Canal
• After the Egyptian Air Force was knocked out, Israeli soldiers swept across the Sinai Desert.

2.4.3 Quote four results of the Six-Day War from the source. (4 x 1)  

• “ On the northern front Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria ”
• “ By 10 June the Arabs stood defeated and demoralised. For Israel the war had been a spectacular success”.
• “ It had acquired more than 70 000 square kilometers of territory and now had defensible borders ”
• “ On the debit side, however, about 350 000 new refugees were created and Israel had to deal with the problem of governing another million Arabs ”

2.5 Compare Sources 2B and 2C and explain how these sources contrast in relation to the outcome of the Six-Day War.

• Source 2B shows Israel as being isolated and in a weak position being defeated by the Arab states.
• Source 2C on the hand is solely focused on how Israel defeated the Israeli states.

The Soviet Union had also suffered a setback from the defeat of her allies in the Middle East. At first she could only reply with words. In the General Assembly of the UN she called for Israel to withdraw immediately from her conquered territories. In 1956 this sort of pressure had led to an Israeli withdrawal. Now, in 1967, the situation was different. This time Israel had the backing of a superpower. The United States used her influence to stop the Soviet Union winning the support of the two-thirds of countries in the UN which she needed for the resolution to be passed. The United States, Britain and Israel were then free to put a compromise resolution to the Security Council, which was passed unanimously. This was Resolution 242 of 22 November 1967. It has formed the basis for a settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict ever since. Resolution 242 called for:

1. The withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied during the SixDay War.

 2. The end of all hostilities and an acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every state in the area, and their right to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries

2.6.1 Using the sources as evidence with your own knowledge, explain the role the following two superpowers played in the Arab-Israeli conflict:

a.) USA (1 x 2)

• They passed the 242 Resolution
• Vetoed the passing of Russia’s resolution 

b.) Soviet Union (1 x 2)

• Requested that Israeli troops should be withdrawn.  

2.6.2 In your own words, how would you define the term resolution in the context of the UN. (1 x 2)

2.6.3 To what extent was the USA influential in halting the Soviet Union from passing a ruling to have Israel withdraw its troops from conquered territories.(2 x 2)

• The USA had the authority to veto a decision
• The USA had the support of the British who also had the power to veto
• The USA was a permanent member of the Security Council of the UN

2.7 Moshe Dayan stated: 'We have returned home to this most sacred of shrines never to part from it again.'

Using this information with your own knowledge, write a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines (+-80 words) explaining whether the Six-Day War could be seen as a victory for the Jews. (8)

• The Israelis managed to destroy the air force of Egypt, Syria and Jordan.
• Egypt lost more than 60% of its warplanes.
• In just six days, the Arab armed forces were destroyed by the Israelis and their land on the Golan Heights was now occupied by Israel.
• Israel territory significantly increased
• Israel gained more than 70000 square kilometres of territory and now had defensible borders
• Israel’s allies emerged stronger
• On the debit side, however, about 350 000 new refugees were created and Israel had to deal with the problem of governing another million Arabs

Question 3: WHAT STRATEGIES DID LIBERATION ORGANISATIONS USE AGAINST THE APARTHEID REGIME AFTER THE 1950s?

 Below is a source which illustrates Mandela’s understanding of Ghandi’s policy of non-violence.

Nelson Mandela describes a discussion between the ANC and the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) after the joint Defiance Campaign had been announced. 'We discussed whether the campaign should follow Gandhian principles of non-violence, or what the Mahatma called Satyagraha, a non-violence that seeks to conquer through conversion. Some argued for non-violence on purely ethical grounds, saying it was morally superior to any other method'.

Other argued in favour of a tactical approach, and that the method of resistance should be dependent on the prevailing conditions. Mandela's own view was: 'I saw nonviolence in the Gandhian model not as an inviolable (unbreakable or sacred) principle but as a tactic to be used as the situation demanded ... I called for non-violent protest for as long as it was effective'.

In his autobiography, Mandela comments on his feelings about the futility of passive resistance in the face of the increasing repressiveness of the government in the wake of the Defiance Campaign. 'I said that the time for passive resistance had ended, that non-violence was a useless strategy and could never overturn a white minority regime bent on retaining its power at any cost. At the end of the day, I said violence was the only weapon that would destroy apartheid and we must be prepared, in the near future, to use the weapon'.

[Accessed on from https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/ on the 26 th August 2021]

3.1.1 In your own words, explain what the following words mean:

(a) Defiance Campaign (1 x 2) (2)

• This was a form of intentional resistance by those who were oppressed in South Africa which utilized non-violent methods to fight against Apartheid in South Africa during the 1950s

 (b) Satyagraha (1 x 2) (2)

• A peaceful manner of non-violent resistance which was a policy introduced by Ghandi.

3.1.2  Using the source, quote evidence which shows that Mandela used non-violence tactics against the Apartheid government. (1 x 2) (2)

• “We discussed whether the campaign should follow Gandhian principles of non-violence, or what the Mahatma called Satyagraha, a non-violence that seeks to conquer through conversion.”
• “I called for non-violent protest for as long as it was effective”

3.1.3 Why did Mandela conclude that non-violence was not working and that it was a ‘useless’ strategy? (1 x 2)  (2)  

• Mandela made this conclusion because he had seen that the Apartheid government become more repressive during their non-violent Defiance campains.
• He viewed violence as the only weapon which could end apartheid as he viewed non-violent tactics as futile in overturning a white minority government who would do anything to stay in power.

3.1.4 According to Nelson Mandela, which was the only approach which could destroy apartheid? (1 x 1) (1)

This source depicts 4 leaders of the Women’s march on the 9 th August 1956 who were delivering their petitions to the Union Buildings. From the right to left, they are Sophie Williams, Helen Joseph, Lilian Ngoyi and Rahima Moosa.

[Accessed from https://twitter.com/mbuyisenindlozi/status/498020871022596096 on the 27th August 2021]

3.2.1 What message is conveyed in this photograph? (2 x 2) (4)

• It highlights the role that women played in resisting Apartheid in the 1950s.
• It shows that despite it being Apartheid, South African women could despite the racial divide, unite in resisting Apartheid.
• South African women resisting apartheid through petitions in 1956.

3.2.2 Why do you think these women decided to present these petitions to the then Prime Minister at the Union Buildings? (2 x 2) (4)

• The Prime minister was the most powerful figure in government and could therefore take action to address their demands
• To show the importance of their demands by directly marching to the highest office in government.
• To show solidarity in the resistance struggle against Apartheid in South Africa.

3.2.3 Given what you know about the context at the time, explain how these groups would interpret the photograph that is in source 3B: (2 x 2) (4)

a.) National Party follow supporters

• They would not take it serious as the followers did not take women’s rights seriously
• They would see it as irrelevant

b.) ANC Women’s League supporters

• They would applaud these women for their bravery
• Would see these women as important figures in the women’s federation movement in South Africa.

SOURCE 3C           

Below is a letter written by the leader of the PAC Robert Sobukwe, just before the AntiPass Laws march campaign on 21 March 1960, to the Commissioner of the South African Police, Major General CI Rademeyer.

Sir: My organisation, the Pan-Africanist Congress, will be starting a sustained, disciplined, non-violent campaign against the pass laws on Monday 21 March 1960. I have also given strict instructions to, not only to members of my organisation but also to the African people in general, that they should not allow themselves to be provoked into a violent action by anyone. In a Press statement I am releasing soon, I repeat that appeal and make one to the police too.

 I am now writing to you to ask you to instruct the Police to refrain from actions that may lead to violence. It is unfortunately true that many white policemen, brought up in a racist hothouse of South Africa, regard themselves as champions of white supremacy and not as law officers.

 We will surrender ourselves to the police for arrest. If told to disperse, we will. But we cannot be expected to run helter-skelter [all over the place] because a trigger-happy, African-hating young white police officer has given thousands or even hundreds of people three minutes within which to remove their bodies from his immediate environment. Hoping you will co-operate to try and make this a most peaceful and disciplined campaign.

[Accessed from https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/ on the 27 August 2021 ]

3.3.1 What led to Robert Sobukwe to draft this letter to the police commissioner? (1 x 2) (2)

• To inform the commissioner beforehand of the planned protest they were going to have
• To try and stop police from inflicting violence on non-violent protestors.

3.3.2 Extract evidence from the source which suggest that Robert Sobukwe was planning non-violence to defy the Apartheid government. (1 x 2) (2)

• “ My organisation, the Pan-Africanist Congress, will be starting a sustained, disciplined, non-violent campaign against the pass laws on Monday 21 March 1960 ”
•  I have also given strict instructions to, not only to members of my organisation but also to the African people in general, that they should not allow themselves to be provoked into a violent action by anyone
• We will surrender ourselves to the police for arrest. If told to disperse, we will.

3.3.3 List FIVE words or phrases that Robert Sobukwe used to highlight his bias against white police officers. (5 x 1) (5)

• racist hothouse
• champions of white supremacy
• not as law officers
• trigger-happy
• African-hating

The source below depicts a picture of police brutally shooting and beating protesters on the day of the Sharpeville massacre (21 March 1960)

[Accessed from https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/remember-sharpeville-21-march-1960-video/ on the 27 th August 2021] 3.4

3.4.1 What can you tell after looking at the photograph regarding the anti-pass campaign in Sharpeville? (2 x 2) (4)

• The police violently dealt with protesters
• Police brutality
• Protesters were unarmed because they were running away from police officers who were armed
• Sobukwes plea for police officers not to incite violence on protesters ignored.

3.4.2 How were the human rights of these protesters violated by the South African police? (2 x 2) (4)

• Protesters were not allowed to show their demands.
• The protesters were unarmed yet shot and attacked by the police anyway.
• Their right to life was violated.
• These protesters were not allowed to gather.

3.5 Looking at sources 3C and 3D, to what extent do you think Sobukwe’s fears regarding police action in Source 3C were confirmed in Source 3D. (2 x 2) (4)

• Sobukwe mentioned to the police commissioner that the protesters were going to have a non-violent protest and asked police not to incite violence on them, yet we can see in source 3D unarmed protesters being shot and beaten.
• Sobukwes concern that white police would be trigger happy in Source 3C are confirmed in 3D when police officers are shooting at protesters who are running away.

3.6 Using a combination of your own knowledge with the relavent sources, write a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines (+-80 words) in which you explain some of the strategies that liberation organizations used to fight against the apartheid regime in the 1950s. (8)

• They used non-violence.
• There were petitions like the women’s march
• There were demands listed in the Freedom Charter
• There were anti-pass defiance campaigns
• People were prepared to submit themselves for arrest
• There were proposals for violent action if peaceful protests were not effective.
• There were general defiance campaigns
• National Senior Certificate. “Grade 11 November 2013 Paper 2 Addendum”.

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Gr. 11 History T3 W4: The Rise of Afrikaner Nationalism

The Rise of Afrikaner Nationalism - Economic affirmative action in the 1920's and 1930's

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Afrikaner Nationalism: A History Essay Perspective

Essay Topic

Afrikaner nationalism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with a long and controversial history. This essay will explore the origins, development, and impact of Afrikaner nationalism in South Africa. It will analyze the key figures, ideologies, and events that shaped this movement, as well as its relationship with apartheid and the broader context of South African history.

Origins and Early Development

Afrikaner nationalism emerged in the 19th century in response to the British colonization of the Cape Colony. The Afrikaner people, descendants of Dutch and French settlers, had established a distinct culture and identity in the region. British expansion, however, threatened their way of life and led to a series of conflicts, known as the Boer Wars.

During this period, the concept of "volksbestemming" (destiny of the people) emerged, which emphasized the Afrikaners' divinely ordained right to control their own land and destiny. This ideology fostered a sense of racial and cultural superiority, viewing the Afrikaners as a chosen people destined to build a separate nation in South Africa.

The Rise of the National Party

In the early 20th century, the Afrikaner National Party (NP) emerged as the leading political force advocating for Afrikaner nationalism. The NP’s ideology was rooted in the principles of racial segregation and white supremacy, which it saw as necessary to protect Afrikaner interests and to ensure their dominance in South Africa.

The NP achieved power in 1948 and immediately implemented a policy of apartheid, formally segregating South African society along racial lines. This policy was based on the notion of separate development and denied black Africans basic rights and freedoms.

Apartheid and its Legacy

Apartheid, heavily influenced by Afrikaner nationalism, became the defining characteristic of South Africa for decades. The system of racial segregation and oppression sparked widespread international condemnation and led to a protracted struggle for racial equality.

The anti-apartheid movement, led by figures like Nelson Mandela, ultimately succeeded in dismantling apartheid and bringing an end to white minority rule. However, the legacy of Afrikaner nationalism continues to shape South African society and politics, with ongoing debates around issues of race, reconciliation, and social justice.

Afrikaner nationalism has played a significant role in shaping the history of South Africa. From its origins in the 19th century to its influence on the apartheid era, this movement has been marked by both its achievements and its failings. Examining Afrikaner nationalism provides valuable insight into the complex dynamics of South African history and its enduring impact on the country's present and future.