South Africa: A State of Apartheid (Arbitrary Borders)

Cottrell, Robert Charles

ISBN 10: 0791082571 ISBN 13: 9780791082577

Publisher: Chelsea House Publications, 2005

Synopsis

International in scope and analytical in approach, this series examines political demarcations that have occurred around the world. The policy of apartheid strengthened white supremacy under the regimes of Verwoerd (1958-1966), Vorster (1966-1978) and Botha (1978- 1989). The last apartheid laws were repealed in 1991. Age 15+.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up–A detailed history of the colonization of South Africa and government policies leading up to apartheid and beyond. The author provides impressive notes, a long bibliography, and numerous citations. Unfortunately, the writing style is dry, often pairing some rather cumbersome syntax with difficult vocabulary. For example, a paragraph explaining attitudes toward the abolition of slavery reads: In spite of [a law granting legal equality to free people of color], feelings of racial superiority hardly dissipated. They continued notwithstanding the abolition of slavery in 1834, which was nevertheless paired with a required four-year period of apprenticeship that amounted to bondage, resulting in the retention of indentured labor. Boxed sections highlight subjects such as Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress. Although there are some factual errors (many of which appear in the chronology and time line), the information is mostly correct. There is only one (outdated) map. The illustrations are small and murky. As this title is part of the Arbitrary Borders series, the author is at pains to assert the arbitrary nature of the geographical, social, and political borders and divisions. However, there was nothing arbitrary about the purposes for which those divisions were instituted or the methods used to enforce them. To dwell on their arbitrary nature adds nothing to the process of explaining this tortuous history, and suggests to readers that seeking to understand it is an impossible endeavor.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
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About this edition

• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0791082571
• ISBN 13: 9780791082577
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 140