Smuts, Jan Christiaan

views updated May 17 2018

Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) South African statesman, prime minister (1919–24, 1939–48). He was a guerrilla commander during the South African Wars (1899–1902), but afterwards worked with Louis Botha to establish the Union of South Africa (1910). During World War I, he suppressed a pro-German revolt, commanded British forces in East Africa, and became a member of the British war cabinet. Upon Botha's death, Smuts succeeded as prime minister. He formed a second administration after James Hertzog opposed entry into World War 2. After the war, Smuts was defeated by the apartheid policies of the Nationalist Party.