South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid

Seminar Studies in History

by Nancy L. Clark, William H. Worger

What¿s it about? Focusing on the rise and fall of Apartheid, this new introductory text explores the history of South Africa from 1948, when the Nationalists came to power, until its dramatic collapse in the 1990s. Two introductory chapters set the system of Apartheid in historical context, looking at the origins of population, slavery and early manifestations of racism, and the consolidation of white rule. The core of this book focuses on how Apartheid evolved during the Nationalist period, the rise of the opposition and the collapse of the system, through to its continuing legacy today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Africa, South Africa, Politics

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2004

Reviews

[Amal Bedhyefi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concisely-written and Informative.

[Feisty Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Nelson Mandela's extensive autobiography, I wanted a more concise history of the history of apartheid in South Africa. This textbook (which I found used on Amazon) was exactly what I was looking for. The authors spell out the major institutions, historical events, and powers that implemented apartheid in South Africa, they detail the myriad violent and non-violent protestations by the oppressed black majority as well as some of the international anti-apartheid supporters, the role of the white South African government, the economic waves that encouraged wealthy whites (South African, Afrikaners, and international investors) to maintain the status quo (where blacks had zero civil liberties, were unable to own land, vote, or organize for their own welfare). It still baffles me that most South Africans had never voted in an election until 1994. BAFFLING, I tell you. And reading the justifications from the white South African and Afrikaner politicians made my blood boil, in the last 15 years they still maintained an attitude of white supremacy!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good as a survey. It does give a concise and easy to read overview of SA history and apartheid. However it doesn't go into much of the "why." Strikingly it very seldom makes mention of women.

[Pink Shadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great & devastating summary of what happened. Never too detailed or too broad. I really liked it. Also I noticed how similiar the win of the National Party 1948 is to Trump's win last year. The NP also wanted to make South Africa great again for the Afrikaaners. A shame.

[Jiewei Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for class. Great accessible overview of the rise and fall of Apartheid. Foundational stuff

[Jarret Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After picking up (and starting) several books on the history of South Africa, this one actually connected with me. To be sure, as an American I find learning the history of South Africa a bit of a challenge. My struggle was assuaged a bit by the fact that so many of the history books I picked up acknowledged that South African history is anything but easy. So after finding many difficult books, this one seemed most easy to absorb.

This second edition has several features that make it reader friendly: a chronology of important dates/events in South African history, a glossary, bold print within the text to highlight important and noteworthy organizations and concepts, to name a few. The book - as its title suggests - also has a a key theme of its history a focus on apartheid. But this does not mean that it isn't a stand alone history book. Instead, it means that its discussion of early events is done in a way that foreshadows the defining feature of 20th century South Africa. At the same time, it provides just enough information for a solid foundation on the early history of the country.

Does it deserve five stars? I'm not sure. Perhaps my task of needing a crash course in the history of a nation was itself the challenge - rather than the book - but I did find myself a bit overwhelmed at times. That being said, the chapters on apartheid itself (and its inherent contradictions) were very compelling. Overall, this is a good book for an introduction to an important history.

[Donald Schopflocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely clear account of the history of apartheid, it fills in many critical details in the history of South Africa between the Anglo-Boer War and the establishment of the rainbow state with the resolution of the struggle.

[Dominic Carrillo]

Brief, but perfect to use as a teacher/student.

[Geelheks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short overview.