Why did the NP win in 1948? Flashcards
Who won the 1948 election, what were the margins?
The NP won it marginally with 79 seats to the United Party’s (party that dominated prior to NP) 71. This allowed the NP to be in control and they were committed to an extensive policy of apartheid.
Why did the previous president partially cause the NP victory?
The old PM, Smuts was seen as old and tired, people thought his campaigns were lack lustre and he offered no new policies for people to get behind.
How did WW2 impact the NPs victory?
It divided the whites, english speakers supported the allies, whilst Afrikaners supported the Germans and Nazis, Verwoerd, future PM was an editor of Die Transvaler - pro nazi newspaper.
What were the economic effects of the war on SA?
There was a labour defecit, and without reliance on African labour, the SA economy would have been destroyed. So employment laws regarding Africans were relaxed and an extra 125000 people were employed in manufacturing to cover the soldiers; 75% of which were black. Although the pay was better for whites significantly, many feared that blacks would undercut white jobs, especially under the UP with a more moderate racial policy.
How did Afrikaner nationalism grow?
Afrikaners were increasing in support for the NP, and trying to gain it’s power.
- They did not trust the English speaking parties.
- Events such as the Voortrekker monument building created a sense of Afrikaner identity.
- The Dutch Reform Church provided Afrikaner schools and cultural activities to increase Afrikaner pride.
How did the fear from whites of the UP aid the NP?
Many whites distrusted the UP on it’s racial policies. During the election campaign, Smuts suggested that Africans could continue to work in white areas; although he stressed strict segregation would be maintained, the NP used this as a target to attack the UP and exaggerated their proposed leniency as they knew many SAs did not like their more moderate policies.
