Question

Explain the reason for the Smuts-Herzog alliance.

Answer 1

The world economic depression brought unemployment and bankruptcy to South Africa. In this context, labour withdrew its support given to the National Party. Smuts believed that a coalition government was required to solve the country’s economic problems. Therefore, the South Africa party (led by Smuts) and the National Party (led by Herzog) united in 1934 to form the United South Africa National Party or United Party for short. However, the Smuts- Herzog alliance lasted until 1939.