Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are true, regarding the condition of the Union of South Africa in the beginning of the 20th century?

• A. It had a mixed population of Africans, Indians, and Chinese.
• B. The non-white population was a minority.
• C. The laws passed favoured the whites.
• D. The non-whites owned most of the land.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The laws passed favoured the whites.

European whites were a minority in Africa. The English introduced several laws in favour of their own people. Non-whites were denied civil rights like voting, and were not allowed to acquire land in areas reserved for whites. As a result, 90% of the land was owned by about 20% of the population which was white. Non-whites were forced to work in mines and farms by law.