The two former Boer Republics join with the British colonies of Cape Province and Natal in 1910 to create the nominally independent Union of South Africa.
Under the new constitution, the Coloureds, but not the Africans, gain suffrage.
Moderate Afrikaner leader Botha becomes the first prime minister.
Hertzog serves in Botha’s cabinet.
Smuts serves as minister of the interior and mines and minister of defense.