South African Prime Minister. He served as the Prime Minister of South Africa from June 30, 1924 to September 5, 1939. He trained in law at Victoria College in Stellenbosch and Amsterdam University and practiced in Pretoria from 1892 to 1895, before he was appointed to high court of the Orange Free State. During the South African War from 1899 to 1902, he became a commander under the Free State forces and, in 1902, was persuaded to sign the Peace of Vereeniging. He later entered the political scene by being a part of both the Orange Free State government and the Union of South Africa's first government under Louis Botha. After opposing Botha's active support of Great Britain, he broke away to form the National Party in 1914. Ten years later, he became prime minister with the support of the Labour Party. As prime minister, he led the government that gave the Union its flag, made Afrikaans an official language, and protected home industries. In 1933, he joined forces with Jan Smuts in a coalition government. His National Party was successful in the 1938 election, but by the next year, he had to resign due to disagreement over neutrality at the start of the Second World War. He later became the opposition to Prime Minister Jan Christaan Smuts until his death.
South African Prime Minister. He served as the Prime Minister of South Africa from June 30, 1924 to September 5, 1939. He trained in law at Victoria College in Stellenbosch and Amsterdam University and practiced in Pretoria from 1892 to 1895, before he was appointed to high court of the Orange Free State. During the South African War from 1899 to 1902, he became a commander under the Free State forces and, in 1902, was persuaded to sign the Peace of Vereeniging. He later entered the political scene by being a part of both the Orange Free State government and the Union of South Africa's first government under Louis Botha. After opposing Botha's active support of Great Britain, he broke away to form the National Party in 1914. Ten years later, he became prime minister with the support of the Labour Party. As prime minister, he led the government that gave the Union its flag, made Afrikaans an official language, and protected home industries. In 1933, he joined forces with Jan Smuts in a coalition government. His National Party was successful in the 1938 election, but by the next year, he had to resign due to disagreement over neutrality at the start of the Second World War. He later became the opposition to Prime Minister Jan Christaan Smuts until his death.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
Advertisement
See more Hertzog memorials in:
Advertisement
