top of page

How important were the racial policies of the National Party as a reason for its electoral success in 1948? Explain your answer.

Level

IGCSE

Year Examined

2023

Topic

SOUTH AFRICA, c.1940–c.1994

👑Complete Model Essay

How important were the racial policies of the National Party as a reason for its electoral success in 1948? Explain your answer.

How important were the racial policies of the National Party as a reason for its electoral success in 1948?

The 1948 South African general election saw the unexpected victory of the Herenigde Nasionale Party (Reunited National Party) under D.F. Malan, ushering in the era of apartheid. While the National Party's platform was overtly focused on racial segregation, the extent to which their racial policies alone secured their victory is debatable.

Yes: Racial Policies as a Decisive Factor

The National Party undoubtedly capitalized on existing racial anxieties within white South Africa, particularly amongst the Afrikaner community. World War II, while bolstering South African industry, had led to significant internal migration as non-white South Africans moved to urban centers seeking employment. This demographic shift, coupled with the economic uncertainty faced by returning white soldiers, fueled fears of black competition for jobs and resources. The National Party effectively tapped into this sentiment, portraying themselves as the defenders of white supremacy and economic security.

The National Party's commitment to segregation, culminating in their apartheid policy, resonated with a significant portion of the white electorate who viewed racial separation as essential for maintaining social order and their privileged status. The party cleverly exploited the Sauer Report (1948), which advocated for stricter segregation, as evidence of their commitment to white interests. This contrasted sharply with the more moderate stance of Jan Smuts' United Party, which was perceived by many white voters as being too accommodating to black demands.

No: Broader Factors at Play

However, attributing the National Party's victory solely to their racial policies would be an oversimplification. The growth of Afrikaner nationalism, fuelled by economic hardship and a desire for political and cultural recognition, played a pivotal role. The National Party successfully presented themselves as the champions of the Afrikaner cause, promising to uphold their language, culture, and interests. Organisations like the Broederbond, advocating for Afrikaner advancement in various sectors, further solidified this support base. The Dutch Reformed Church's influence, often interpreting scripture to justify white supremacy, also contributed to this sentiment.

The United Party's failure to adapt to the changing political landscape further contributed to their downfall. Their policies, perceived as outdated and out of touch with the anxieties of white voters, particularly in rural areas, cost them crucial support. Moreover, the electoral system, favoring rural constituencies where the National Party held sway, played a significant role in determining the outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the National Party's racial policies undeniably resonated with a significant segment of the white electorate, attributing their victory solely to this factor would be a simplification. The interplay of Afrikaner nationalism, economic anxiety, the United Party's failings, and the existing electoral system all contributed to the National Party's ascent to power. It was the potent combination of these factors, rather than racial policies alone, that ultimately secured their victory in 1948, marking the tragic dawn of apartheid in South Africa.

Sources:

⭐ Davenport, T.R.H. "South Africa: A Modern History." Macmillan South Africa, 1998.
⭐ Mandela, Nelson. "Long Walk to Freedom." Little Brown & Co., 1995.
⭐ Giliomee, Hermann. "The Afrikaners: Biography of a People." Tafelberg, 2003.

Note: History Study Pack Required

 

Score Big with Perfectly Structured History Essays!

Prepare effortlessly for your A/AS/O-Level exams with our comprehensive...

 

History Study Pack.

1200+ Model Essays: Master your essay writing with expertly crafted answers to past paper questions.

Exam Boards Covered: Tailored materials for AQA, Cambridge, and OCR exams.

🍃 Free Essay Plan

Essay Outline: How Important Were Racial Policies to the National Party's 1948 Victory?

I. Introduction

The National Party's electoral triumph in 1948 marked a turning point in South African history, ushering in the era of apartheid.

While the party's explicit commitment to racial segregation undoubtedly resonated with a significant portion of the white electorate, reducing their victory solely to this factor risks overlooking the broader socio-political context.

This essay argues that while racial policies were a significant factor, the National Party's success stemmed from a confluence of factors, including burgeoning Afrikaner nationalism, economic anxieties, and the United Party's perceived inadequacies.

II. Body Paragraph 1: The Significance of Racial Policies

The National Party's platform of intensified racial segregation and eventual apartheid undeniably struck a chord with a substantial segment of the white population, particularly within the Afrikaner community.

The influx of black South Africans into urban areas seeking work during World War II fuelled anxieties among the white population, anxieties that the National Party effectively exploited.

The party successfully portrayed the United Party as out of touch on racial matters, effectively swaying voters concerned about racial hierarchy and segregation.

III. Body Paragraph 2: Beyond Racial Policies - The Rise of Afrikaner Nationalism

The National Party adeptly positioned itself as the champion of Afrikaner interests, tapping into a burgeoning sense of nationalism that extended beyond racial anxieties.

The party effectively harnessed the cultural and linguistic pride of the Afrikaner community, solidifying its support base.

Organizations like the Broederbond played a critical role in fostering Afrikaner unity and promoting their interests, indirectly bolstering the National Party's appeal.

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Economic Anxieties and the United Party's Failures

The post-war economic landscape, characterized by uncertainty and competition for jobs, contributed to the National Party's victory.

Returning white soldiers, facing potential job insecurity, found resonance in the National Party's rhetoric about protecting white economic interests.

The United Party's failure to effectively address these anxieties, coupled with its perceived lack of commitment to the dominant racial order, ultimately contributed to their downfall.

V. Conclusion

While the National Party's racially charged policies undoubtedly played a significant role in their electoral success, attributing their victory solely to this factor would be an oversimplification.

The convergence of Afrikaner nationalism, economic anxieties, and the United Party's shortcomings created a fertile ground for the National Party's message to take root.

Ultimately, it was a complex interplay of these factors, with racial policies being a crucial but not singular element, that propelled the National Party to victory in 1948, forever altering the course of South African history.

Extracts from Mark Schemes

How important were the racial policies of the National Party as a reason for its electoral success in 1948? Explain your answer.

Yes
The National Party committed to increased segregation and full apartheid in South Africa. This was an especially popular idea with the Afrikaner community and much of white society after the Second World War. The Party viewed the increased migration of non-white people to urban areas to look for work during the war as a threat to society. Returning soldiers viewed cheap black labour as a threat to their job security and income. Jan Smuts’ United Party was viewed as out of touch on the racial question and the National Party questioned their commitment to racial segregation. Malan advocated the Sauer Report which advocated full segregation in South Africa, etc.

No
More important – the growth of Afrikaner nationalism by 1948. The National Party made themselves the champions of the Afrikaner cause, culture and language. Afrikaner identity strengthening Broederbond society promoted interests in business and the professions. The Dutch Reformed Church viewed Afrikaners as a chosen people destined to rule over non-white people (can be a YES argument).

The Second World War led to industrial expansion and higher demand for weapons and supplies, and white people were called up to fight. This increased the number of non-white people in the cities and working in industry. They began to outnumber white people in some areas. Many settled in squatter camps and the government relaxed pass laws. Some black people pushed for greater concessions and this shocked many white people in South Africa (could be YES argument).

The failure of the United Party to adapt their policies with the growth of racist sentiments and the Afrikaner community. Rural areas were better represented in the parliament and dominated by Afrikaner farmers who voted for the Nationalists, etc.

bottom of page