James Barry Munnik Hertzog Biography and Timeline

Afrikaner Nationalist Organisation

Hertzog's federal party expands its organization into Pretoria.

Transvaal National Party Formation

The Transvaal branch of the National Party is established.

National Party Pursues Afrikaner Autonomy

James Barry Munnik Hertzog founded the National Party to advance Afrikaner political interests and the autonomy of South Africa.

Hertzog Delegation Seeks Boer Independence

James Hertzog led a delegation that sought international support for restoring separate Boer republican independence after the First World War.

Hertzog Government Begins

Begins his premiership after the Pact election victory.

Role range: 1924-1939

Pact Government Takes Office

Forms a government with Labour support and an Afrikaner nationalist programme.

Role range: 1924-1939

Gold Standard

South Africa restores gold convertibility after sterling returns to the pre-war parity.

Role range: 1924-1939

Dominion Equality Recognised At Imperial Conference

Prime Minister Hertzog participated in the imperial discussions that affirmed the equal constitutional status of Britain and the dominions.

Westminster Statute Confirms Dominion Autonomy

Hertzog's government benefited from the Statute of Westminster which recognized the legislative independence of self governing dominions.

Gold Standard

South Africa leaves gold after sustained pressure caused by remaining separate from sterling.

Role range: 1924-1939

Coalition Government

Forms a coalition government with Jan Smuts.

Role range: 1924-1939

Hertzog-Smuts Coalition

The alliance responds to economic and political pressures during the Depression.

Role range: 1924-1939

National and South African Parties Merge

Combines Hertzog's National Party faction with Smuts's South African Party.

United Party Formation

Helps create the United Party through political fusion.

Status Of Union Act Affirms Sovereignty

Under Hertzog's government the Status of the Union Act declared the constitutional independence of the Union within the Commonwealth.