Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’ - 2…
Full specification wording
Paper 2, Option 2F.2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’ - 2 Radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960–68: Creating a republic, 1960–61: Verwoerd’s aims; the significance of Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech; a republic established, 1960–61; leaving the Commonwealth.
Between 1960 and 1961, Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd pursued a republic to sever South Africa’s constitutional link with the British Crown and entrench Afrikaner nationalist control.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Between 1960 and 1961, Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd pursued a republic to sever South Africa’s constitutional link with the British Crown and entrench Afrikaner nationalist control. Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech in Cape Town on 3 February 1960 signalled Britain’s opposition to apartheid and acceptance of African independence, alarming Verwoerd. A whites-only referendum on 5 October 1960 approved a republic by 52.29% to 47.71%. The republic was established on 31 May 1961, but South Africa had to leave the Commonwealth in March 1961 after opposition from newly independent African and Asian members. This isolation reinforced National Party power and apartheid.
What earns the marks
- Explains Verwoerd’s aims: to make South Africa a republic, remove the British Crown as head of state, and strengthen Afrikaner nationalist control while maintaining white minority rule.
- Describes the establishment of the republic: a whites-only referendum on 5 October 1960 approved a republic with 52.29% in favour; the Republic of South Africa was proclaimed on 31 May 1961.
- Explains leaving the Commonwealth: South Africa’s application to remain was opposed by African and Asian members; Verwoerd withdrew the application in March 1961, and South Africa left the Commonwealth.
- Evaluates the significance: the republic consolidated National Party power and apartheid, but increased international isolation and criticism, setting the context for further radicalisation.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that the republic was established in 1960.
Put it right: The referendum was in October 1960, but the republic was proclaimed on 31 May 1961.
Believing that Macmillan’s speech supported apartheid.
Put it right: It warned of the ‘wind of change’ and indicated Britain would not block African majority rule, opposing apartheid.
Assuming South Africa remained in the Commonwealth after becoming a republic.
Put it right: It left the Commonwealth in March 1961 after opposition from other member states.
Exam tips
- Use precise dates and percentages, such as 3 February 1960 for Macmillan’s speech, 5 October 1960 for the referendum, and 52.29% in favour.
- Link Verwoerd’s aims to the broader theme of National Party consolidation and the radicalisation of resistance.
- Explain the significance of leaving the Commonwealth in terms of international isolation and its impact on apartheid South Africa.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 2, Option 2F.2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’ - 2 Radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960–68: Creating a republic, 1960–61: Verwoerd’s aims; the significance of Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech; a republic established, 1960–61; leaving the Commonwealth. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In which year did South Africa become a republic after a whites-only referendum?
Listen
Between 1960 and 1961, Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd pursued a republic to sever South Africa’s constitutional link with the British Crown and entrench Afrikaner nationalist control. Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech in Cape Town on 3 February 1960 signalled Britain’s opposition to apartheid and acceptance of African independence, alarming Verwoerd. A whites-only referendum on 5 October 1960 approved a republic by 52.29% to 47.71%. The republic was established on 31 May 1961, but South Africa had to leave the Commonwealth in March 1961 after opposition from newly independent African and Asian members. This isolation reinforced National Party power and apartheid. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains Verwoerd’s aims: to make South Africa a republic, remove the British Crown as head of state, and strengthen Afrikaner nationalist control while maintaining white minority rule. Analyses Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech: delivered in Cape Town on 3 February 1960, it warned that Britain would not oppose African majority rule and signalled a shift in British policy, isolating South Africa internationally. Describes the establishment of the republic: a whites-only referendum on 5 October 1960 approved a republic with 52.29% in favour; the Republic of South Africa was proclaimed on 31 May 1961. Explains leaving the Commonwealth: South Africa’s application to remain was opposed by African and Asian members; Verwoerd withdrew the application in March 1961, and South Africa left the Commonwealth. A common slip: Stating that the republic was established in 1960. Instead, the referendum was in October 1960, but the republic was proclaimed on 31 May 1961. Exam tip: Use precise dates and percentages, such as 3 February 1960 for Macmillan’s speech, 5 October 1960 for the referendum, and 52.29% in favour.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Afrikaner nationalism and the creation of a republic
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International pressure and the ‘wind of change’
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The referendum and the establishment of the republic
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Commonwealth withdrawal and isolation
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See every definition
- Afrikaner nationalism and the creation of a republic
- Verwoerd pursued a republic to sever South Africa's constitutional link with the British Crown and entrench Afrikaner nationalist control.
- International pressure and the ‘wind of change’
- Macmillan's speech in Cape Town on 3 February 1960 signalled Britain's opposition to apartheid and acceptance of African independence, alarming Verwoerd.
- The referendum and the establishment of the republic
- A whites-only referendum on 5 October 1960 approved a republic by 52.29% to 47.71%, and the republic was established on 31 May 1961.
- Commonwealth withdrawal and isolation
- South Africa had to leave the Commonwealth in March 1961 after opposition from newly independent African and Asian members, and this isolation reinforced National Party power and apartheid.
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Test your understanding of Paper 2, Option 2F.2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’ - 2 Radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party power, 1960–68: Creating a republic, 1960–61: Verwoerd’s aims; the significance of Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech; a republic established, 1960–61; leaving the Commonwealth.
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