Fundamental To Apartheid And Jim Crow

Fundamental to Apartheid and Jim Crow were values and habits that supported the oppression of groups of people who were perceived to be inferior. These systems take on different forms, but essentially have same structure. The implementation and maintenance of legislation passed during these eras allowed for the continued degradation of minorities. Many external factors aided in keeping these laws afloat and ensuring the dominance of the oppressors. Political, economic and societal pressures allowed for the enforcement of racially charged legislation systems.
Racial segregation and white supremacy had become central aspects of South African policy long before apartheid began. Before the official beginning of apartheid, native Africans were subject to controlling demands and oppressed by the Dutch settlers. Afrikaners, the descendants of the
The whites were by definition the minority, meaning they were the smaller part of the country's population; however, they did not let their small numbers affect their presence and power. Afrikaners mostly comprised the government responsible for implementing apartheid, the National Party. The founder of the National Party, General JBM Hertzog was not a typical member of the government. Before the National Party came to be, he openly and fiercely promoted his ideas of an independent South Africa over the interests of Britain. South Africa was not fully independent and was still subject to the higher authority of the British. The National Party was able to advance due to “progressive people” filled with enthusiasm for the 'Afrikaner cause'- putting their imprint on the state and using political power to steadily enhance their social self-confidence. After gaining full political power of South Africa in ,The National Party implemented legislation which legally gave whites total control of South Africa and the ability to suppress the natives and maintain superiority at whatever costs. Apartheid