THEMES IN THIS LESSON:

TOWARDS A REPUBLIC
Policies of Malan, Strijdom & Verwoerd

THE COMMONWEALTH
SA’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth

REACTIONS
Reactions to the formation of a republic


NEW WORDS
A glossary of new words


LINKS
Useful links to other websites of interest

LESSON SUMMARY

Since the 19th century, Afrikaner settlers in South Africa sought independence from British rule. After the Reunited National Party won the 1948 elections, they were determined to obtain independence and establish a republic in South Africa. Between 1948 and 1961, Prime Ministers Malan, Strijdom and Verwoerd implemented policies increasing South Africa's autonomy in the run up to the Republic on 31 May 1961. Independence came at a price. A few months before, Prime Minister Verwoerd was pressured to withdraw South Africa from the Commonwealth of Nations after the organisation rejected Apartheid. The white population united in its support of Verwoerd while black South Africans opposed the idea of a Republic. The Republic issue intensified resistance against apartheid while providing South Africa with its first constitution as an independent state.

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