Jan+Christian+Smuts

Jan Christian Smuts was the second prime minister of the Union of South Africa between September 3, 1919-June 30, 1924 and again from September 05, 1939-June 04, 1948. He was also a decorated military leader. He was born May 24, 1870 in what was Bovenplaats, Cape Colony (now known as Riebeek West, South Africa). He died on September 11, 1950 at age 80 in Irene, South Africa.

Smuts attended college at age 16 at Victoria College in Stellenbosch. There he studied Dutch, German, and Greek; as well as classic literature and the Bible. He graduated with Double First-class honours (a British honors classification) in 1891. He then went on to win the Ebden scholarship for overseas study. He used this scholarship to study law at Christ’s College in Cambridge, England. While there Smuts faced many problems, such as homesickness and money troubles. Upon telling a friend back in South Africa from Victoria College, Professor J.I. Maraid. Maraid responded by saying to never hesitate to come to him for help. With this he enclosed a large check to loan Smuts money to make things less stressful so he could focus on his studies. He graduated from Christ’s college with another Double First-class honours in 1893.

After College, Smuts returned to South Africa and began practicing law in Cape Town. With this career not being a profitable as he had hoped, Smuts entered the world of Journalism and Politics. At one point he wrote for the Cape Times in Cape Town. After working his way up the through South African politics, Smuts became President Paul Kruger’s second body. He handled things that the president was required to do.

When the Transvaal was getting full self-government, Smuts spent 1906 writing their constitution. At the end of 1906, parliamentary elections were held, with Smuts gaining two positions in the cabinet, Colonial Secretary and Education Secretary. In these positions, Smuts’s leadership skills showed immensely. These leadership skills, used in politics and in the military, led to Smuts being elected the second prime minister of the Union of South Africa.

Smuts affected South Africa as a whole because he was one of two men who presented the constitution for the Union of South Africa to King Edward VII to be approved. The Union of South Africa then became the Republic of South Africa that we know today.