The Union of South Africa 1910
On May 31st, 1910, the Boers made peace with England through the Treaty of Vereeniging. Nine years after that, South Africa joined a Union.
Despite the mistrust in the Boer camp, the Afrikaners, as they now became known, had negotiated and achieved self-determination.
The two South African Wars had a huge effect on the concept of unification, but it was nothing short of a miracle that the British and Afrikaners managed to put their differences aside and create the Union of South Africa. Despite all the hatred, tensions & damage that was inflicted on their psyche and landscape.
The Treaty of Vereenging led to the formation of the Federation
South Africa received political turmoil and strife after they ignored most their population. Their decision to form the Union would also contribute to what they referred to as “the agony of a long struggle.”
Black response to the formation of the Union
The African press reacted with hostility to the formation of the Union, but efforts to change/delay it failed.
But despite all efforts, the act was passed through the colonial parliaments.