South Africa, 1800-1914

Shaka Unites Southern Africa

Nov 4, 1816

Around 1816, Shaka, chief of the Zulu tribe, used his highly disciplined warriors to unite the various tribes of southern Africa and create a unified, centralized state.

Great Trek

Nov 4, 1835

During the 1830's, thousands of Boers moved northwards to escape the British in the south, and ended up clashing with native Zulus.

Diamonds and Gold Discovered

Nov 4, 1866

Between the 1860s and 1880s, mass discoveries of gold and diamonds led to mass influxes of Europeans seeking riches.

Boer War

Oct 11, 1899

Clashes between the Boers and masses of immigrating British led to the flaring of the Boer War, which ultimately ended in a Birtish victory and English control of South Africa.