Rhodes

British Empire: Southern Africa

  • Discovery of diamonds

    Diamonds discovered near the Vaal River in West Griqualand, near Kimberly. Triggered a diamond rush, increased British economic interest.
  • Annexation of Basutoland

    King Moshoeshoe had appealed to the British for assistance against the Boers. March 1868, Basutoland placed under British protection, Boers ordered to leave.
  • Annexation of West Griqualand

    2000 Griqua people left to establish Griqualand East in 1873, but this too was annexed the following year.
  • Frere proposes federation

    Wants to create a federation of British, Boer and Zulu territory but the Boers refuse
  • Annexation of Transvaal

    To protect British influence in South Africa following discovery of gold at Witwatersrand and political and economic challenges. Perceived threat from the Zulu, seen as a step towards federation
  • Cape Peace Preservation Act

    Legislation in Cape Colony mandating the disarmament of everybody except those serving in colonial forces, JPs and magistrates. Aimed to manage the indigenous population and political tensions. Enforced by Pitso (assembly of hereditary native chiefs) and the paramount chief, who each ruled wards within the territory.
  • Xhosa War

    9th Xhosa war culminated in defeat of the Xhosa thanks to British advanced weaponry and annexation of territories into Cape Colony.
  • Period: to

    Zulu War

    Provoked by Bartle Frere to attempt to control South Africa and create a British federation. Eventual victory, but suffered embarrassing defeats at Isandlwana in late Jan. After reinforcements are sent, they are able to defeat the Zulu at their capital Ulundi, which they burn to the ground. Zululand is incorporated into Natal. Gladstone recalled and denounced Frere in 1880.
  • Period: to

    1st Boer War

    Boers announce independence from Britain and attack Army garrisons across the Transvaal. British suffer a humiliating defeat at Majuba Hill in Feb 1881 where 150 Britons are killed. Forced to sign the Convention of Pretoria, recognizing Boer's right to self-government, but retain control of external affairs.
  • Basutoland returns to crown control

    After Basutoland protectorate was annexed to Cape Colony in 1871, southern chief Moirosi rose in revolt in 1879. After this was crushed, other chiefs began to fight over Moirosi's land. Cape Town's inability to control the territory led to it reverting to crown control as the Territory of Basutoland
  • Annexation of Bechuanaland

    Triggered by the creation of German South West Africa in 1884. Fears that the Boers and Germans might ally and combine their colonies. 4,000 British and local troops asserted control in Bechuanaland (between Boer and German colonies) with the north becoming a protectorate and the south a crown colony.
  • Gold discovered at Witwatersrand

    Transvaal. Huge immigration of European imperialists and investors, creating further instability in the region. Town of Johannesburg built.
  • De Beers mining company

    Rhodes established a monopoly over diamonds in Kimberly, controlling 90% of the world's supply. Merged multiple companies to form the Diamond Syndicate in 1890
  • BSAC

    Rhodes set up BSAC after discovery of gold in Transvaal. Received a royal charter in 1889. His aim was to establish a land route from Cape Town to Cairo, built a fort at Salisbury in Mashonaland in Sept 1890
  • Period: to

    Rhodes is PM of Cape Colony

  • Matabeleland

    Incorporated into Rhodesia in 1895
  • Rhodesia founded

    British South Africa Company took over land in the interior of Africa. Matabeleland (taken over in 1893) was incorporated. Southern Rhodesia became a Protectorate in 1901, Northern Rhodesia in 1911.
  • Nyasaland

    Settled by Scottish missionaries but faced Portugese-backed Arab attacks. BSAC established control in 1891, but guerrilla warfare continued until 1897.
  • Nyasaland= protectorate