British Occupation of South Africa via the Cape

British occupation of South Africa via the Cape

Background

• The British took control of the Cape Colony during the era of mercantilism in Europe.

British Interest in the Cape

• At the end of the 18th century, Britain became increasingly interested in seizing the Cape Colony from the Dutch.

Key Events Leading to British Control

1. In 1793, France invaded the Netherlands, causing King William V of the Netherlands to seek refuge in Britain.
2. King William V also requested protection for Dutch colonies and their trading interests.
3. During this period, Britain already controlled India and the lucrative trade routes between India and Europe, making the Cape a strategic location for controlling trade routes.

The Motives for the British Interests at the Cape

1. To increase colonies: The British wanted to increase and expand her spheres of influence following this she decided to occupy the Cape.
2. Industrial revolution in Europe, following this British wanted to increase sources of raw materials, labour, and markets for her industries since the Cape were very productive.
3. Trade interests, Britain did not want another European power to control the Cape because that would interfere the smooth flow of trade between Britain and India.
4. The South African Cape was strategically located. It was an appropriate place for British ships to stop during their voyages to or from India. They could get fresh supplies water for the reminder of their journey.

Tactics Used by British to Occupy the Cape

1. Introduction of land legislation system: They aimed at discouraging pastoralism among Boers and to encourage sedentary farming since the policy limited the size of an individual's land.
2. Abolition of slave trade and slavery in 1807: The British government abolished slave trade in all their colonies and offered compensation for slaves but the money was only paid in London as a result the majority did not get their compensation.
3. Imposition of the English language as the as the language of administering the law and justice and the medium of instruction in schools in 1822:
4. Abolition of internal trade restriction imposed by the Dutch company officials on the farmers and other settlers at the cape: This created more trade opportunities as they could now trade freely without strictly control from the administration.
5. Introduction of the pass in 1809: to reduce the exploitation of African labour as the system required African workers to carry passbooks, which indicated their residence and employment, and those who did not carry them were regarded as criminals. The pass prevented the Africans from moving from district to district or moving into areas occupied by Europeans.
6. Introduction of contract system, through this the Boers were to sign contracts with their workers: In those contracts, they were to mention the wages and other fringe benefits that they gave to their workers. Therefore, the Boers regarded the contract system as British interference in the traditional Boer-Africans relationship of master-servant.
7. Introduction of the Black circuit court system in 1811 in order to reduce acts of violence committed by European employers against African employees: The law angered the Boers who considered themselves a superior race and thus natural masters of the Africans.
8. Introduction of English law as the basis of the legal system in South Africa.
9. Provision of financial aid to the British settlers by the British government: this encouraged more of its citizens to immigrate to the Cape as a result in 1820 some 300 British settlers arrived in South Africa increasing the total white population by almost 12% within weeks.

The Boer Trek / Movement

Overview

1. The Great Trek (Afrikaans: Die Groot Trek) was an eastward and northward migration away from British control in the Cape Colony during the 1830s and 1840s.
2. The Boers (Dutch/Afrikaans: farmer) were the primary migrants. They were descended from settlers from Western mainland Europe, particularly the Netherlands, northwest Germany, and French Huguenots.

Outcomes of the Great Trek

1. The Great Trek led to the founding of several Boer republics, including:

   • Natalia Republic
   • Orange Free State Republic
   • Transvaal Republic (the most notable)

Expansion of Territory

• Beginning in the 18th century, Cape settlers gradually expanded their territories towards the north and the east.

The Reasons for the Boer Trek

1. British occupation of the cape allowed Boers to penetrate further into the interior.
2. Boers dislike laws imposed by British in the Cape Province, which gave greater equality to non-Whites races.
3. Abolition of slavery, the British administration at the cape forced Boers to free their African slaves.
4. Boers dislike the system of land holding which was introduced by British i.e. Boers were to pay higher rent.
5. Misunderstanding between Boers stock farmers and British administration
6. Boers dislike the British government decision of using the English language as the language of the government and in courts.
7. Boers wanted to be outside of the British government authority.

The Effects of the Boer Trek

1. Creating of two Boer republics, that is the Orange Free State and South African republic.
2. Boers defeated black tribes on the way and took over their land and properties.
3. Establishment of apartheid policy.
4. Development of hostility between the Boers and British colonizers.
5. Africans were made property less laboures and squatters on Boers stock farms.
6. African land was alienated i.e. taken by foreigners
7. Intermarriage thus creation of Afrikaners.