2 September 1939Alliance Jan Smuts and the CommonwealthJames Hertzog
Smuts supports a Commonwealth alliance to fight World War II. Puts the case in Cabinet for South African neutrality, defeated by Smuts
Historical records for South Africa in 1939, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Smuts supports a Commonwealth alliance to fight World War II. Puts the case in Cabinet for South African neutrality, defeated by Smuts
Smuts supports a Commonwealth alliance to fight World War II
Puts the case in Cabinet for South African neutrality, defeated by Smuts
The cabinet is split, 7 vote for war & 6 against
On the day Britain declares war on Germany Hertzog supports neutrality
Forwards a motion in the House Assembly to remain neutral but defeated by 13 votes
Forwards a motion in the House Assembly to remain neutral but defeated by 13 votes
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
Appointed Prime Minister of South Africa, 2nd term
Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated
Hertzog is forced to resign when his policy of neutrality in World War II is defeated
South Africa severs relations with Germany
South Africa severs relations with Germany
South Africa declares war
Appointed Member of Imperial War Cabinet as the most senior South African in favour of war
Becomes prime minister after Parliament rejects Hertzog's neutrality policy.
Leads supporters committed to entering the war against Germany.
Forms a government committed to participation in the war.
Forms a government committed to war against Germany.
Takes control of the United Party after Hertzog's resignation.
Directs South Africa's entry into the Second World War.
The Fusion Government breaks up over Herzogs support for Britain in World War II
Begins university studies toward a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Opposes South Africas participation in the war
Appointed Deputy Prime Minister
Enrolls at the University College of Fort Hare.
Appointed Minister of Education
Appointed Minister of Finance
Appointed Secretary for Native Affairs
Founds & leads the reunited Nationalist Party
Jan Smuts succeeds Hertzog and led the party and the country throughout World War II and the immediate post-war years
Resigns in favour of 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
Opposition to South African participation in World War II is used by the Purified National Party to stir up anti-British imperialist feelings amongst Afrikaners & reunification of the Purified Nationalists with the National Party. Formation of the Herenigde Nasionale Party (Reunited National Party), which went on to defeat Smuts United Party in 1948
Appointed Minister for Agriculture & Forestry
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
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