Gen. J.B.M. Hertzog is forced to resign as premier after his motion of neutrality in World War II is defeated in parliament

The choice to join the Allied Forces in World War Two was a contentious one on behalf of the South African government. This is because within the ruling United Party (UP) there was a split between those who favoured nationalism and non-interference in international affairs and those who supported the British crown and favoured involvement in the international community. General Jan Smuts and General Hertzog had joined forces and agreed to form the so-called Pact Government in 1924. However, when World War Two was declared in 1939, divisions within the UP forced Hertzog to resign as premier, after which General Smuts became Prime Minister of South Africa. Hertzog's decision to resign came after six cabinet members voted in favour of Smut's call to fight, versus five cabinet members who supported Hertzog's call for neutrality. The Governor General's refusal to dissolve parliament and call an election led to Smuts forming a government and leading the Union of South Africa into the war. After the split, Hertzog joined D.F Malan's "purified" Herenigde Nasionale Party (HNP), which was based on essentially the same principles as the original National Party (NP), which had been formed in 1914. However, Hertzog left the HNP in November 1940 after internal strife. At the same time he also left his position in parliament, and later passed away in 1942. Related: Grade 12 Classroom: Pact Government