Gold Paved the Way by A.P. Cartwright, published by Macmillan in 1967, is a historical account of South Africa’s gold mining industry, which significantly shaped the country’s economy and social landscape. Cartwright, a South African journalist and historian, traces the development of gold mining from its early days in the 19th century to its immense influence on South African society, politics, and infrastructure.
The book delves into the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886, which triggered the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, attracting miners, investors, and fortune-seekers from around the world. Cartwright explores the industry’s role in creating Johannesburg, a city built around the mining boom, and how it transformed the region into an economic powerhouse. Alongside the industrial story, he examines the social impacts, including the harsh working conditions of miners, the role of migrant labor, and the tensions that would eventually contribute to South Africa’s political struggles.
Gold Paved the Way combines Cartwright’s detailed research with an engaging narrative that captures the ambitions, conflicts, and consequences of South Africa’s gold industry. The book is often regarded as an important work for understanding the economic foundations of modern South Africa and the historical forces that shaped its society.
