Who Controlled South Africa in 1914? An Explore of Colonial Governance
South Africa, as we know it today, became an entity on 31 May 1910 with the unification of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange River colonies as a dominion of Britain - the Union of South Africa. It officially became an independent Republic of South Africa on 31 May 1961. Thus, in 1914, the country was controlled by Britain.
The Union of South Africa as a Self-Governing Dominion
The Union of South Africa was established as a self-governing dominion of the British Empire. It is important to understand the governance structure and the role of the British within this context. The Union had a degree of autonomy, which allowed it to govern itself in many aspects, but it ultimately remained a part of the British Empire.
British Possessions Beyond the Union of South Africa
If you are considering a broader geographical scope, the territories that were once part of British possessions and are now modern-day countries include:
Bosotholand (Lesotho) Swaziland (Eswatini) Bechuanaland (Botswana) Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) Walfish Bay (now part of Namibia)Further afield, we find:
Mozambique (Portuguese colony) Angola (Portuguese colony) German South West Africa, which is now NamibiaColonial Structures and Governance
The governance of South Africa in 1914 was deeply entwined with the British Empire. The British maintained control through various means, including indirect rule and direct administration. The British influence was pervasive, affecting not only the political structure but also social, economic, and cultural life.
During this period, the governance of the Union of South Africa was largely based on British legal and administrative systems. This included the establishment of a constitution that was modeled after the British parliamentary system. The British governor-general, who represented the British Crown, played a crucial role in the governance and was the highest authority in the country.
The British also retained significant control over international affairs and foreign relations. The British government had the final say in matters of defense and foreign policy, even though the Union of South Africa had some autonomy in these areas.
Political and Social Dynamics
The political and social dynamics in the Union of South Africa in 1914 were characterized by significant inequality and discrimination. The population was divided along racial lines, with Europeans holding most of the political power and resources. The Natives Land Act of 1913, for example, further limited the rights of African citizens and reinforced the systemic racial hierarchy.
The social and economic systems also reflected the colonial structure. The British economy was based on the extraction of resources and the exploitation of labor, particularly from African workers. This labor system, often characterized as a form of indentured servitude, was a cornerstone of the colonial economy.
Conclusion
In summary, in 1914, South Africa was under the direct control of the British Empire. The Union of South Africa operated as a self-governing dominion, which gave it a significant degree of autonomy. However, the influence of Britain was deeply felt in all aspects of governance, including political, social, and economic spheres.
Understanding the colonial governance of South Africa in 1914 provides insights into the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing impacts on South African society. This era set the stage for the political, social, and economic transformations that would come in the following decades and centuries.