What was a key feature of the South African government's policies in the early 20th century?

The implementation of segregation laws was a pivotal feature of the South African government's policies in the early 20th century, laying the foundation for the more pervasive apartheid system that would be fully developed in the mid-20th century. These laws enforced the separation of people by race, impacting multiple aspects of life including education, healthcare, and public services. The government sought to institutionalize racial divisions, creating a legal framework that favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority and other racial groups.

This period marked a significant shift in policy, moving away from earlier forms of governance toward a more rigid and oppressive regime that codified racial discrimination. The segregation laws included measures like restricting African people from living in urban areas and establishing separate facilities for different racial groups. This systemic inequity contributed to social unrest and laid the groundwork for later resistance movements against apartheid.

The other options highlight ideals that were not reflected in the reality of government policies during this time. There was little promotion of racial equality or multiculturalism, and peaceful coexistence was not a priority for a regime focused on maintaining white supremacy and racial segregation.