HSY2603
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 23 April 2026
QUESTION 1
Discuss the significance of the discovery of rich resources of diamonds and gold in
southern Africa between the 1860’s and the 1890’s.
1. Introduction
The discovery of diamonds in Kimberley in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886
changed the history of southern Africa in a major way. Before this period, the region was
mainly rural, and most African societies were politically independent and
QUESTION 2
The South African War cannot be regarded as a “white man’s war”. Do you agree or
disagree? Discuss critically.
1. Introduction
The South African War from 1899 to 1902, also known as the Anglo-Boer War, is often
Terms of use
described in a simplified way as a conflict between the British
By making use Empire and the
of this document Boerto:
you agree
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
Discuss the significance of the discovery of rich resources of diamonds and
gold in southern Africa between the 1860’s and the 1890’s.
1. Introduction
The discovery of diamonds in Kimberley in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in
1886 changed the history of southern Africa in a major way. Before this period, the
region was mainly rural, and most African societies were politically independent and
controlled their own land. Communities such as the Zulu, Basotho and Tswana had
strong systems of leadership and economic activity based on farming and trade.1
When diamonds were discovered, followed by gold, the situation changed quickly.
Thousands of people moved into mining areas in search of wealth. Kimberley and
later Johannesburg became important centres of economic activity. These
discoveries attracted foreign investors, especially from Britain and Europe, who
wanted to control the mining industry and benefit from the profits.2
This period became known as the Mineral Revolution because it transformed the
economy, politics and social structure of the region. The economy shifted from
agriculture to mining and industry. At the same time, African independence was
reduced as colonial powers expanded their control over land and resources.3 The
importance of this period is not only about economic growth. It also explains how
systems of labour control, racial inequality and segregation began to take shape.
These developments later influenced apartheid policies in South Africa.4
2. Economic Transformation
2.1 Shift from agriculture to an industrial economy
The discovery of diamonds and gold changed the economic structure of southern
Africa very quickly. Before this period, most economic activity was based on farming,
1
W. Beinart and P. Delius, The Mineral Revolution in South Africa, p. 5.
2
M. Meredith, Diamonds, Gold and War, p. 24.
3
W. Beinart and P. Delius, p. 12.
4
M. Meredith, p. 36.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
cattle keeping and small-scale trade. Production was mainly for local use, and there
was limited large-scale industry.5
After diamonds were found in Kimberley, and later gold on the Witwatersrand, mining
became the centre of the economy. Large mining companies were formed, and
these required heavy machinery, skilled workers and large amounts of capital. This
marked the beginning of industrial development in South Africa.6
Gold mining, especially, needed deep-level mining techniques, which meant more
advanced technology and bigger financial investment. Because of this, small
individual miners were pushed out, and large companies took control of production.
This led to the rise of powerful mining houses that dominated the economy.7
2.2 Growth of infrastructure and supporting industries
The growth of mining created a strong need for infrastructure. Railways were built to
move minerals from inland mining areas to coastal ports. Roads and communication
systems such as telegraphs were also developed to support the industry.8
Cities like Kimberley and Johannesburg grew rapidly because of mining activities.
Johannesburg, in particular, developed from a small mining camp into a major city
within a short time. This urban growth shows how mining drove economic expansion
and settlement patterns.9
Other industries also developed to support mining. These included engineering,
banking and transport services. This helped to diversify the economy, although
mining remained the main driver of growth.
2.3 Integration into the global economy
The discovery of gold and diamonds linked southern Africa to the global economy.
Gold from the Witwatersrand became one of the largest sources of gold in the world.
This made South Africa very important in international trade and finance.10
5
W. Beinart and P. Delius, The Mineral Revolution in South Africa, p. 18.
6
M. Meredith, Diamonds, Gold and War, p. 42.
7
W. Beinart and P. Delius, p. 25.
8
M. Meredith, p. 55.
9
M. Meredith, p. 60.
10
W. Beinart and P. Delius, p. 30.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 23 April 2026
QUESTION 1
Discuss the significance of the discovery of rich resources of diamonds and gold in
southern Africa between the 1860’s and the 1890’s.
1. Introduction
The discovery of diamonds in Kimberley in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886
changed the history of southern Africa in a major way. Before this period, the region was
mainly rural, and most African societies were politically independent and
QUESTION 2
The South African War cannot be regarded as a “white man’s war”. Do you agree or
disagree? Discuss critically.
1. Introduction
The South African War from 1899 to 1902, also known as the Anglo-Boer War, is often
Terms of use
described in a simplified way as a conflict between the British
By making use Empire and the
of this document Boerto:
you agree
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
Discuss the significance of the discovery of rich resources of diamonds and
gold in southern Africa between the 1860’s and the 1890’s.
1. Introduction
The discovery of diamonds in Kimberley in 1867 and gold on the Witwatersrand in
1886 changed the history of southern Africa in a major way. Before this period, the
region was mainly rural, and most African societies were politically independent and
controlled their own land. Communities such as the Zulu, Basotho and Tswana had
strong systems of leadership and economic activity based on farming and trade.1
When diamonds were discovered, followed by gold, the situation changed quickly.
Thousands of people moved into mining areas in search of wealth. Kimberley and
later Johannesburg became important centres of economic activity. These
discoveries attracted foreign investors, especially from Britain and Europe, who
wanted to control the mining industry and benefit from the profits.2
This period became known as the Mineral Revolution because it transformed the
economy, politics and social structure of the region. The economy shifted from
agriculture to mining and industry. At the same time, African independence was
reduced as colonial powers expanded their control over land and resources.3 The
importance of this period is not only about economic growth. It also explains how
systems of labour control, racial inequality and segregation began to take shape.
These developments later influenced apartheid policies in South Africa.4
2. Economic Transformation
2.1 Shift from agriculture to an industrial economy
The discovery of diamonds and gold changed the economic structure of southern
Africa very quickly. Before this period, most economic activity was based on farming,
1
W. Beinart and P. Delius, The Mineral Revolution in South Africa, p. 5.
2
M. Meredith, Diamonds, Gold and War, p. 24.
3
W. Beinart and P. Delius, p. 12.
4
M. Meredith, p. 36.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
cattle keeping and small-scale trade. Production was mainly for local use, and there
was limited large-scale industry.5
After diamonds were found in Kimberley, and later gold on the Witwatersrand, mining
became the centre of the economy. Large mining companies were formed, and
these required heavy machinery, skilled workers and large amounts of capital. This
marked the beginning of industrial development in South Africa.6
Gold mining, especially, needed deep-level mining techniques, which meant more
advanced technology and bigger financial investment. Because of this, small
individual miners were pushed out, and large companies took control of production.
This led to the rise of powerful mining houses that dominated the economy.7
2.2 Growth of infrastructure and supporting industries
The growth of mining created a strong need for infrastructure. Railways were built to
move minerals from inland mining areas to coastal ports. Roads and communication
systems such as telegraphs were also developed to support the industry.8
Cities like Kimberley and Johannesburg grew rapidly because of mining activities.
Johannesburg, in particular, developed from a small mining camp into a major city
within a short time. This urban growth shows how mining drove economic expansion
and settlement patterns.9
Other industries also developed to support mining. These included engineering,
banking and transport services. This helped to diversify the economy, although
mining remained the main driver of growth.
2.3 Integration into the global economy
The discovery of gold and diamonds linked southern Africa to the global economy.
Gold from the Witwatersrand became one of the largest sources of gold in the world.
This made South Africa very important in international trade and finance.10
5
W. Beinart and P. Delius, The Mineral Revolution in South Africa, p. 18.
6
M. Meredith, Diamonds, Gold and War, p. 42.
7
W. Beinart and P. Delius, p. 25.
8
M. Meredith, p. 55.
9
M. Meredith, p. 60.
10
W. Beinart and P. Delius, p. 30.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
