South Africa gained its independence from Britain in 1910. Why did this not lead to freedom and equality in South Africa?

Question

South Africa gained its independence from Britain in 1910. Why did this not lead to freedom and equality in South Africa?

Think about the question carefully. Then enter your answer in the box provided.

A complete answer will include the following information:

identify which group maintained power after independence and which powers were maintained

identify the system South Africa adopted after independence

name at least four specific limitations or things this system forbade

Use the information below to compose a short essay answer consisting of three to four sentences. Be sure to use complete sentences with proper punctuation. Include Social Studies key vocabulary terms.

(4 points)

Answer 1

After gaining independence from Britain in 1910, South Africa did not achieve freedom and equality because the minority white population, mainly of British and Afrikaner descent, maintained power. The system adopted after independence was apartheid, a policy of strict racial segregation and discrimination. This system imposed four specific limitations: restrictions on land ownership for non-whites, separate public facilities, restrictions on interracial marriage and relationships, and separate education systems. These limitations were all aimed at maintaining white dominance and reinforcing racial inequality in South Africa.