South Africa (and inner countries)

Bartholomeu Dias

1488

Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias had a fleet of three ships for his journey. During their journey, strong winds and currents threw the ships off their course and then rounded the tip without even noticing it. They then decided to turn around and that's when they discovered the tip of Southern Africa. He named it “Cape of Storms” and then later it was named “Cape of Good Hope”.

Vasco da Gama lands on Natal coast.

1497

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was given four vessels for his expedition. He sailed down the coast of Africa and successfully landed on Natal coast. It had taken him about three months to reach the land. He had traveled more than 6,000 miles of open ocean and it was the farthest anyone had traveled by sea.

Cape Colony is founded

1652

Jan van Riebeeck who represents the Dutch people, founded the Cape Cony near the southern tip of South Africa.

Founding of Zulu Empire

1816

Shaka Zulu founds and expands the Zulu empire and he also creates a formidable fighting force. It was also known as Zululand and it extended along the coast of the Indian ocean from the Tulega river to the Pongola river.

Anglo-Zulu War

1879

There was a war between the Zulus and the British that is known as the Anglo-Zulu War. This war resulted in the end of the Zulus' independence for their nation and held many drastic battles. On January 22, the Zulus experienced a terrible defeat due to the British being well armed and equipped. Also, the Battle of Rorke’s Drift commenced during the Anglo-Zulu War. This is when the Zulus tried invading the Rorke’s Drift but the British ended up winning, even though they were outnumbered.

British annexed Zulu Territory

1887

After the many battles fought between the British and the Zulus, the British annexed the Zulus territory. Despite the Zulus first win at the Battle of Isandlwana, the British made their many victories in other battle. And, Eleven Victoria Crosses the day the British were given victory. It’s quite likely that the British planned to govern the Zulus until they can govern themselves. Even though they loss, the Zulus appreciated their reputation of their nobility and military skills.

Boer Wars started

1899

Boer wars started. Boer wars were fought between the British empire and the Boers, which were the descendants of the Dutch settlers in southern Africa. When Britain took control over the Dutch Cape, the Boers were resistant. They ventured into African tribal territory and founded the republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Later, gold and diamonds were found near those areas, and the British and the Boers fought over the territory.

British crushed Boer resistant

1902

The British crushed the Boer resistance and successfully gained the territories of the republic of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. It became established by the British to be the Union of South Africa.

South Africa tries to gain independence

May 31, 1910

Eight years after second Boer war, South Africans try to get the independence from Britain. After four years “fight”, British Parliament gave granted nominal independence. They created Union of South Africa on May 31st 1910. They still was unified under British dominion in that time.

South Africa becomes independent

May 31, 1961

In favor therefor, white voters win the therefor with really cloth votes. South Africa become to a republic country. Before P. W. Botha's Constitution Act of 1983, the president really didn’t have the power. The white South African authorities have long implemented racial discrimination, racial segregation in domestic legislation, and administrative measures.

Independence for Lesotho

1966

Lesotho, named Basutoland under British control, finally gained independence from Britain. It became known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, with King Moshoeshoe as its king.

Swaziland granted Independence

1968

Swaziland was granted complete independence and adopts a new form of government. They first adopted a form of the British government, but they felt that it did not reflect the culture of the Swazi people. An absolute ruler was established along with a new constitution.