Union Of South Africa

WEB Reconstruction Union and Segregation 190229

The Union of South Africa: A Legacy of Reconstruction and Segregation

190229: The Birth of a New Nation

On May 31, 1910, the Union of South Africa was born, bringing together four separate colonies under British dominion. The creation of the Union marked a significant milestone in South African history, but it also laid the foundation for a system of racial segregation that would shape the country's future for decades to come.

WEB: A Unifying Force Amidst Division

Walter Benson "WEB" Du Bois, an African-American civil rights activist, sociologist, and historian, played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the formation of the Union of South Africa. Du Bois visited South Africa in 1902 and 1929, observing the social and political dynamics of the country. His writings and speeches raised awareness about the plight of Africans under British rule and helped galvanize support for the struggle against segregation and inequality.

The Legacy of Reconstruction and Segregation

The Union of South Africa came into being eight years after the end of the Second Boer War, a conflict that had left the country deeply divided. The post-war period was marked by attempts to reconstruct the country while simultaneously implementing policies that enforced racial segregation. The Land Act of 1913, for example, restricted African land ownership and contributed to the dispossession of black farmers.

The Union of South Africa existed until 1961, when it became the Republic of South Africa. However, the policies of segregation and racial discrimination implemented during the Union's existence continued to shape the country's society and politics for many years to come. The legacy of this era can still be seen in South Africa today, where racial inequalities and social divisions persist.