Lecture Notes: Afrikaner Nationalism in South Africa

Introduction

• Lecture on Afrikaner Nationalism in South Africa
• Previous video covered general African nationalism and its origins
• This video focuses specifically on Afrikaner nationalism

Historical Context

Early Settlement

• Dutch arrived in South Africa in 1652 via Dutch East India Company
• Used SA as a trading base between Holland and India
• Settled and built structures (e.g., Castle of Good Hope)
• Interaction with native people: pushed them out and used some as slaves/servants
• Language mix led to formation of Afrikaans (Dutch + Malay + Indigenous + English)

Language and Culture

• Afrikaans became a kitchen language before the 20th century
• Was not a formal language, mainly spoken among mixed-race servants
• Dutch was the official language among whites

British Colonization and the Great Trek

Arrival of the British

• British arrived in early 1800s because of mineral discoveries
• Anglicization began: English became official language of Cape Colony
• Afrikaners felt culture and language were threatened

The Great Trek

• Voortrekkers (Afrikaners) moved North to escape British control
• Established Boer Republics: Transvaal and Orange Free State
• Great Trek became a symbol of Afrikaner freedom from foreign control
• Unified Afrikaners through shared history

Wars and Nationalism

South African War (Anglo-Boer War)

• War between British and Boer Republics (Transvaal & Orange Free State)
• British used scorched earth policy and concentration camps
• Many died in camps due to poor conditions
• Increased Afrikaner nationalism due to shared suffering

Post-War Developments

• Celebration of the Great Trek's centenary strengthened Afrikaner identity
• Fortreker Monument (1949) commemorated the Great Trek

Social and Political Organizations

The Broederbond

• Secretive society promoting Afrikaner culture and nationalism
• Aimed to control government and support the National Party
• Played a significant role in apartheid

The Afrikaner Language Movement

• Movement started in 1875 to protect the Afrikaans language
• 1925: Afrikaans officially recognized as a language

Economic Initiatives

• Poor white problem addressed through folk capitalism
• Preferential treatment for unskilled white workers over black workers
• Establishment of Afrikaner businesses like Sanlam

Religion and Education

Influence of Dutch Reformed Church

• Church seen as guardian of Afrikaner heritage
• Promoted belief that Afrikaners were chosen by God

Education Policies

• Christian National Education
• Mother tongue education in Afrikaans
• Reinforced Afrikaner culture and unity

Rise of Apartheid

National Party

• Formed in 1914 around Afrikaner nationalism
• Used fear of the 'black danger' to secure votes in 1948
• Won and instituted apartheid to maintain Afrikaner control
• Apartheid laws consolidated power in the 1960s and 1970s

Conclusion

• Afrikaner nationalism significantly shaped South African history, leading to apartheid
• Contributions from organizations, wars, and cultural movements created a strong Afrikaner identity
• Further questions can be left in the comments