South Africa and World War II: the decisive first two years on the home front (September 1939 - September 1941)

Abstract

Sixty years ago the Second World War, the most devastating war the world has ever experienced, broke out. When Britain went to war against Nazi Germany on 3 September 1939, it placed the South African government of Gen. JBM Hertzog in a predicament. Since fusion and the formation of the United Party (UP) in 1934 the question of South Africa staying neutral or not in case of a war in Europe in which Britain would be involved, was debated on several occasions, but Hertzog - who was in favour of neutrality - and his Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. JC Smuts - who was in favour of some form of participation - decided to agree to differ on this crucial and emotional matter. At the begin- ning of September 1939 the cabinet was divided on the issue of neutrality and the matter was referred to the House of Assembly for a final decision. After a lengthy debate on Monday 4 September 1939, parliament rejected Hertzog's neutrality motion by 80 votes to 67 and accepted Smuts' motion in favour of qualified participation by the same majority.