Rise of Afrikaner Nationalism

Beginnings of Afrikaner Nationalism

• First European Settlement at the Cape (1652)
  • Initially under Dutch rule.
  • British takeover in 1800s led to a unique Afrikaner identity.
• Emergence of the "Voortrekkers"
  • Descendants of the first settlers resented British control.
  • Established Boer republics in Transvaal and Orange Free State.

Development of Afrikaner Identity

• Afrikaners in Boer Republics
  • Developed a strong sense of loyalty.
  • Believed in a divine purpose during the Great Trek of the 1830s.
• Lack of Unity
  • Unity forged by the South African War against the British.
  • Defeat led to resentment and unity around shared oppression.

Formation of the National Party

• Post-War Compromise
  • Britain created the Union as a self-governing entity within the British Empire.
• National Party Formation (1914)
  • Promoted white Afrikaner interests.
  • Led by JBM Herzog.

Policies and Actions of the National Party

• Official Recognition
  • Afrikaans recognized as an official language.
  • Adoption of a South African flag with Boer Republics' flags.
• Economic and Social Policies
  • White workers prioritized for jobs; black workers dismissed.
  • Support for "poor whites" during the Depression.
  • Emphasis on Afrikaner identity and history.

Cultural and Nationalist Efforts

• Organizations Promoting Afrikaner Culture
  • The Broederbond (1918) drove Afrikaner nationalism.
  • Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Organizations supported cultural activities.
• Cultural Events and Monuments
  • Centenary trek in 1938 to commemorate the Great Trek.
  • Founding of the Voortrekker Monument.

Afrikaner Institutions and Unity

• Education
  • Emphasis on Christian National Education glorifying Afrikaner history.
• Labor Sector
  • Encouragement to join Afrikaner trade unions.
• Religious and Economic Institutions
  • Encouragement to join the Dutch Reformed Church.
  • Establishment of separate financial institutions like Volkskas Bank and Sanlam.

Rise to Power and Apartheid

• Affirmative Economic Action
  • Support for Afrikaner businesses and economic power.
• 1948 Elections
  • The Purified National Party led by DF Malan came to power.
  • Policies aimed at breaking ties with Britain.
• Apartheid Implementation
  • Strict segregation laws introduced, inspired by Nazi ideology.

Conclusion

• Afrikaner Nationalism Achieved
  • Seen as a right to claim national identity.
  • Achieved at the expense of other racial groups, leading to apartheid.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to use time wisely and study hard.
• Reminder of the historical impact and future implications of Afrikaner nationalism.