The
National Party was a political party in South Africa founded in 1915 and first became the governing party of the country in 1924. It was in opposition during the World War II years but returned to power and was again in government from 4 June 1948 until 9 May 1994. At this time, it began implementing its policy of separate development, known as 'apartheid'. Members of the National Party were sometimes known as
Nationalists or
Nats. The policies of the party included
apartheid, the establishment of a republic, and the promotion of
Afrikaner culture.