The Mineral Revolution

Created by

Lisa

Cards (76)

Why is gold considered valuable? 
Because it is rare, does not corrode, and is versatile
When was gold first discovered in South Africa? 
1886
Who discovered gold at Langlaagte?
George Harrison
How did the discovery of gold in 1886 differ from previous gold finds in southern Africa? 
The amount of gold found was significantly larger and ran for kilometres underground
What was the political situation in South Africa at the time of the gold discovery? 
South Africa was divided into four states controlled by different groups of white people
What law did the Boers pass regarding gold mining claims? 
Only white people could hold claims to mine gold
What is required to start a gold mine? 
A large amount of money for machinery, land claims, and skilled workers
Why was mining gold not easily profitable? 
Because of high costs and fixed gold prices that did not allow for increased expenses
What is low-grade ore? 
Ore that contains very little gold
Why did black people work in the gold mines for low pay?
They were not allowed to own claims and had no choice due to dispossession
What were the dangers associated with working underground in gold mines? 
Heat, harmful gases, risk of collapse, and diseases
What temperature can it reach deep underground in South African gold mines? 
Up to 60 °C
What was the purpose of the Chamber of Mines formed in 1889? 
To protect mine owners' interests and promote favorable legislation
Who were the Randlords? 
Wealthy mine owners who formed partnerships to open mining companies
Why did mine owners need a plentiful supply of cheap labor? 
To keep costs low and increase profits
What methods did mine owners use to ensure a steady supply of labor?
Taxes, recruitment, and contracts
What was the hut tax imposed on black workers?
R1 per year for every hut they lived in
How did the poll tax affect black workers? 
It forced them to work to pay the tax
Why were black men not allowed to settle permanently in Johannesburg? 
They were restricted to living in closed compounds
What are the main reasons why gold is valuable? 
Does not corrode or rust
Malleable and versatile
Attractive for jewelry
Mixes easily with other metals
What were the key factors in the mining process of gold in South Africa? 
High initial investment for machinery and land
Low-grade ore requiring large quantities to mine
Dependence on cheap labor due to fixed gold prices
Dangerous working conditions underground
What were the roles of the Randlords and the Chamber of Mines? 
Randlords: Wealthy mine owners who opened mining companies
Chamber of Mines: Association formed to protect mine owners' interests and promote favorable legislation
How did migrant labor affect the mining industry in South Africa? 
Black laborers traveled long distances to work
They lived in closed compounds and could not settle permanently
Their labor was exploited due to low wages and taxes
What were the dangers faced by miners underground? 
High temperatures and harmful gases
Risk of rock collapse and dust-related diseases
Stagnant water leading to disease and slipping hazards
What were the implications of the 'gold standard' for economies? 
Required banks to hold gold equivalent to currency issued
Limited money printing based on gold reserves
Created a fixed price for gold globally
What was the condition for a native to receive a tax rebate according to the report from the Mine Managers Association in 1893? 
They had to show that they worked for six months in the year.
What methods did mine owners use to ensure a steady supply of labor? 
Recruiters were sent to villages to encourage men to work on the mines.
Chiefs were paid to recruit men.
Recruiting agents traveled with new workers to the mines.
Why did mine workers have to sign contracts?
To ensure they would work for several months despite poor conditions.
What were the consequences for workers who broke their contracts? 
They would be fined and arrested.
What were the pass laws introduced by the Transvaal government? 
Migrants had to obtain a three-day pass to search for work.
If they did not find work by the third day, they had to leave or work in the mines.
What was the role of women in indigenous communities when men left for work? 
Women filled both traditional and men's roles, taking care of children and performing hard labor.
How did the absence of men affect rural communities? 
Communities became poor and broke down.
Families and family life eroded.
Women had to adapt to new responsibilities.
What impact did white settlers have on black people's ability to grow crops and raise cattle? 
White settlers took over land, leading to struggles for black people to grow crops and raise cattle.
How did soil erosion affect black farmers? 
It prevented crops from growing and led to thin cattle that stopped producing milk.
What were the differences in treatment between skilled and unskilled white workers and black workers? 
Skilled white workers received higher pay and supervisory roles.
Unskilled white workers earned more than black workers for the same jobs.
White workers had better living conditions and rights.
What was the foundation for the system of racial segregation in South Africa? 
Different wages, laws, and treatment for white and black workers.
What was the Transvaal government's stance towards Indian people? 
Indian people faced hostility and were prevented from working and settling in Johannesburg.
They were not allowed to live in 'white' areas or have citizen rights.
They had to carry passes and were prohibited from walking on pavements.
What forms of labor resistance did workers engage in? 
Deliberately breaking tools and pretending not to understand orders.
Drinking excessively on weekends and being slow to work on Mondays.
Breaking contracts and leaving the mines.
What triggered the Anglo-Boer War in 1899? 
The British wanted to take control of the Boer-controlled gold mines.
What tactics did the Boers use during the Anglo-Boer War? 
They used guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks against the British.