United Party
A hardline faction of Afrikaner nationalists, led by Malan, refuses to accept the merger and maintains a rump National Party called the Gesuiwerde Nasionale Party (Purified National Party).
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
James Hertzog Biography and Timeline — Page 2
Follow James Hertzog through 75 dated historical records for South Africa.
James Hertzog, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
75Distinct records
2 of 2Page
1934–1942Years on this page
1934
United Party
Hertzog agrees to merge his National Party with the rival South Africa Party of Jan Smuts to form the United Party.
United Party
James Hertzog was formed by a merger of most of Prime Minister Barry Hertzogs National Party with the rival South Africa Party of Jan Smuts, plus the remnants of the Unionist Party.
1935
NRB
Foundaton of the National Road Board, launches 5yr road construction programme
Role range: 1933-1939
1936
Constitution of South Africa
The denial of poltical rights by race or color becomes legitimate. Sets up the Native Representitive Council
Role range: 1933-1939
Legislation
The Native Trust & Land Act is passed
Role range: 1933-1939
Legislation
The Natives Bill excludes African representation in the House of Assembly. Passes the Aliens Bill to prevent Jewish immigration
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Electoral System
Cape Africans are removed from the common roll.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Electoral System
Cape Natives are placed on a separate roll & allowed to vote for just 3 white MPs.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Electoral System
The Natives Bill excludes African representation in the House of Assembly.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Government
Enactment of the "native bills", Herzog has the necassary 2/3 majority.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Government
The Native Trust & Land Bill is passed.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Immigration Law
Passes the Aliens Bill to prevent Jewish immigration.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Land Ownership
Cape Africans cannot purchase land outside reserved areas.
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Parliament
Presents the Natives Representation Bill to a sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
Role range: 1933-1939
1937
Legislation
The Native Laws Amenment Act extends segregation & control
Role range: 1933-1939
Reform of Racial Laws
The Native Laws Amenment Act extends segregation & control
Role range: 1933-1939
1938
Election
Confirmed in power after South African elections
Role range: 1933-1939
Prime Minister of South Africa
Confirmed in power after South African elections
Role range: 1933-1939
1939
Alliance Jan Smuts and the Commonwealth
Smuts supports a Commonwealth alliance to fight World War II. Puts the case in Cabinet for South African neutrality, defeated by Smuts
Role range: 1933-1939
Commonwealth
Smuts supports a Commonwealth alliance to fight World War II
Role range: 1933-1939
Neutrality
Puts the case in Cabinet for South African neutrality, defeated by Smuts
Role range: 1933-1939
Neutrality
The cabinet is split, 7 vote for war & 6 against
Role range: 1933-1939
Neutrality
On the day Britain declares war on Germany Hertzog supports neutrality
Role range: 1933-1939
Alliance James Hertzog and neutrality supporters
Forwards a motion in the House Assembly to remain neutral but defeated by 13 votes
Role range: 1933-1939
Neutrality
Forwards a motion in the House Assembly to remain neutral but defeated by 13 votes
Role range: 1933-1939
Neutrality
Makes a speech in Senate comparing Hitler's efforts with the struggle for Afrikaaners. Hertzogs motion for South African neutrality is defeated by the Senate. Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated
Role range: 1933-1939
Resignation of James Hertzog
Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated
Role range: 1933-1939
Resignation of James Hertzog
Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1933-1939
Declaration of War
South Africa declares war
Role range: 1939-1945 – 1933-1939
Alliance James Hertzog and for Britain in World War II
The Fusion Government breaks up over Herzogs support for Britain in World War II
Role range: 1933-1939
Resignation of James Hertzog
Hertzog refused to commit South Africa to Britains war effort against Nazi Germany, the majority of the United Party caucus were of a different mind, however, and Hertzog resigns
United Party
Hertzog refused to commit South Africa to Britains war effort against Nazi Germany, the majority of the United Party caucus were of a different mind, however, and Hertzog resigns
1941
Afrikaner Party
Helps found the Afrikaner Party
1942
Death of James Hertzog
Death of James Hertzog
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.