J.B.M. Hertzog

J.B.M. Hertzog (James Barry Munnik Hertzog) was a prominent South African statesman and military leader who served as the Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa from 1924 to 1939. He is best known for his advocacy of Afrikaner nationalism and his staunch opposition to British influence in South Africa.

Early Life

Hertzog was born on 3 April 1866 in the Cape Colony. He studied law at Victoria College, Stellenbosch, and later at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. After completing his studies, he returned to South Africa and began practicing law in Bloemfontein.

Political Career

Hertzog entered politics in 1898 when he was elected to the Volksraad, the parliament of the South African Republic. He served as the Attorney General and later as the State Secretary of the South African Republic.

In 1912, Hertzog founded the National Party, which advocated for the rights of Afrikaners and opposed British influence in South Africa. He served as the leader of the party until 1934.

As Prime Minister, Hertzog pursued policies aimed at strengthening Afrikaner nationalism and reducing British influence. He introduced legislation to make Afrikaans an official language of South Africa, alongside English. He also pursued a policy of segregation, which laid the groundwork for the later policy of apartheid.

Later Life and Legacy

Hertzog resigned as Prime Minister in 1939 due to disagreements within his party over South Africa's role in World War II. He continued to serve in parliament until his death in 1942.

Hertzog's legacy is controversial. While he is praised by some for his advocacy of Afrikaner rights, he is also criticized for his role in establishing the policy of apartheid.

See Also

• History of South Africa
• Apartheid in South Africa
• National Party (South Africa)