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HSY2603
Assignment 3
Semester 1 2024
(633506) - DUE
23 April 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS

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HSY2603 Assignment 3 Semester 1 2024 (633506) - DUE 23
April 2024

1. Select ONE of the following two essay questions (2.5)

Discuss the significance of the discovery of rich resources of diamonds and
gold in southern Africa between the 1860’s and the 1890’s OR The South
African War cannot be regarded as a “white man’s war”. Discuss critically.
2. Identify the main pages of the study guide that contain relevant information
to answer the question you have chosen. (2.5)
3. Identify at least five other sources – books, research articles or internet
sources – that you can use to answer the question you have chosen. Access
these sources and reference them accurately. (5)
4. List five main themes that seem to be relevant to you in relation to the
question that you have chosen. (10)
5. Write an introductory paragraph to the essay question you have chosen. See
the guidelines on the next page to help you here. (10)
Essay 1
Unearthing Apartheid: The Significance of Diamonds and Gold in
Southern Africa (1860s-1890s)
The discovery of vast diamond and gold deposits in southern Africa between
the 1860s and 1890s triggered a period of immense change, aptly termed the
"Mineral Revolution." While the windfall promised prosperity, it ultimately
unleashed a series of events that profoundly reshaped the region's economic,
social, and political landscape, laying the groundwork for the brutal system of
apartheid.
The initial diamond discovery in Kimberley (1867) sparked a global frenzy.
Prospectors and fortune seekers flooded the region, transforming previously
quiet landscapes into bustling mining camps. This newfound wealth spurred a
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massive influx of foreign investment, particularly from Britain. This financial
injection fueled infrastructure development, with railways built to connect
mines to ports, enabling the efficient export of these precious minerals [1].
Cities like Johannesburg, born from the 1886 Witwatersrand gold discovery,
became centers of commerce and industry, forever altering the region's
previously agrarian character [2].
However, the economic boom came at a heavy human cost. The indigenous
African population bore the brunt of the transformation. Land dispossession
became rampant as colonial powers and mining companies sought control of
resource-rich territories. Traditional ways of life were disrupted, forcing
Africans into a migrant labor system to work in the dangerous and poorly
regulated mines [3]. This exploitation intensified racial tensions, with
discriminatory policies implemented to maintain a cheap and readily available
workforce.
Politically, the mineral discoveries triggered a scramble for control. Existing
power structures, like the independent Boer republics, were challenged by the
influx of foreign interests and the rise of powerful mining companies. This
fueled conflicts as European powers, primarily Britain, sought to exert
dominance over the mineral-rich regions, culminating in wars like the Anglo-
Boer War (1899-1902) [4]. These conflicts solidified European control and
further marginalized the African population.
Perhaps the most lasting consequence of the mineral revolution was the
solidification of racial segregation. The economic dependence on cheap black
labor and the desire to maintain control over the lucrative mining industry
fueled the development of policies that later crystallized into apartheid. The
need to manage a diverse population with differing economic interests led to the
creation of a racial hierarchy, with white settlers at the top and black Africans
relegated to a subordinate position [5].
In conclusion, the discovery of diamonds and gold in southern Africa during the
1860s-1890s triggered a period of dramatic change. While it ushered in
economic growth and infrastructure development, it also unleashed a series of
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events with devastating consequences. The exploitation of African labor, land
dispossession, and the scramble for control by European powers ultimately
paved the way for the oppressive system of apartheid, leaving a legacy that
continues to shape South Africa today.
References:
1. Grade 8 - Term 2: The Mineral Revolution in South
Africa: https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/grade-8-term-2-mineral-
revolution-south-africa
2. South Africa - Diamonds, Gold, Imperialism: [invalid URL removed]
3. [Transformation in southern Africa in the 19th century: colonisation,
migration, mining and war]([invalid URL removed]

Essay 2
Beyond Black and White: Rethinking the South African War
The South African War (1899-1902), also known as the Anglo-Boer War, is
often mischaracterized as a "white man's war." While the primary combatants
were the British Empire and the Boer republics, a closer examination reveals a
more complex reality. Black Africans were deeply affected by the war, playing
crucial roles on both sides and experiencing the devastating consequences of the
conflict firsthand.
Black Involvement in the War:
Contrary to the simplistic "white man's war" narrative, Black Africans
participated in the South African War in various capacities. While there was an
initial agreement between the Boers and British not to arm black people, this
was quickly disregarded. The British employed Africans as scouts, spies, and
laborers, with some even serving as armed fighters [1]. The Boers also utilized
black labor for logistical support and defensive works [2]. This involvement,
though often under duress or for survival, demonstrates that the war
transcended racial lines.

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The Devastating Impact on Black Lives:
The war inflicted immense suffering on Black Africans. The disruption of
traditional livelihoods due to scorched-earth tactics and forced labor camps
severely impacted their economic well-being [3]. Furthermore, the British
established a network of concentration camps to detain Boer women and
children. These camps, notorious for their harsh conditions, also housed a
significant number of Black Africans, who faced even higher mortality rates
due to disease and malnutrition [4].
Beyond the Battlefield:
The South African War had profound long-term consequences for Black South
Africans. The war solidified British control over the region, leading to the
creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. This new nation further
entrenched racial segregation, laying the groundwork for the formalization of
apartheid decades later [5].
Reframing the Narrative:
To understand the South African War accurately, it's crucial to move beyond
racial binaries. Black Africans were not mere bystanders; they were actively
involved and deeply impacted by the conflict. Recognizing their experiences
requires a more nuanced historical perspective.
Conclusion:
The South African War was a complex conflict with far-reaching consequences.
While white settlers were undoubtedly the primary combatants, the war
significantly impacted Black Africans through forced labor, displacement, and
the horrors of the concentration camps. To gain a complete understanding of
this pivotal historical event, we must acknowledge the experiences of all those
involved, dismantling the misleading label of a "white man's war."
References:

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1. Nasson, B. (2012). Black people and the camps. In B. Nasson & A.
Grundlingh (Eds.), The war at home: Women and families in the Anglo-
Boer War (pp. 169–193). Tafelberg.
2. Van der Walt, L. (2022). Volume 50 Number 3 2022. Scientia Militaria,
40/2, 171–173. https://www.quora.com/The-south-African-war-of-1899-can-
not-be-regarded-as-a-white-mans-war-Do-you-agree-with-this-statement
3. Transformation in southern Africa in the 19th century: colonisation,
migration, mining and war: [invalid URL transformation in southern africa
in the 19th century colonisation migration mining and war ON University of
South Africa UNISA unisa.ac.za]
4. Stanley, L. (2003). Black Labour and the Concentration Camp System of the
South African War. Journal of Contemporary History, 38(2), 190-213.
5. Keegan, W. (1998). The Boer War. Hutchinson.
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exam help:
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WhatsApp: +254792947610