War and the formation of Afrikaner nationalism

Abstract

There is a tendency in writing histories of South Africa’s past to concentrate on the colour issue. However, doing so often leads to myths and polarisation as sources are not interrogated beyond the superficial. The publication of three books within a short space of time on Malan, Smuts and Verwoerd respectively, men influential in determining white South Africa’s identity provides an opportunity to explore the formation of Afrikaner nationalism and the impact it had on the development of South Africa as a nation. In the ninety years under discussion, South Africa was caught up in four major wars, all acting as a catalyst for change, uniting and dividing the people.