Linked table of contents
Introduction
Fifteenth century onwards, most African countries were brought under rule by the Europeans, Great Britain, Belgium, etc. In 1652, South Africa was brought under British control officially. Other than European colonization, it experienced the invasion of north side groups. The indigenous groups overpowered the country very soon.
Important Phases
South Africa went through an 'official' and an 'unofficial' invasion by the Europeans and the migrants, respectively, causing devastation to the natives. So, they faced two phases of destruction; the reason behind the first was the farmers, while the Europeans were to be held responsible for the second:
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Phase 1: The Cape San societies' ruination was concentric. The extensive one is the 12 000 years' history of the assimilation, polarization, and demolition caused by farmers to hunter-gatherers.
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Phase 2: San (Bushman) society was destroyed during the 18th and 19th centuries due to land seizure, slaughter, exploitation, and cultural conquests besides colonial rule.
English Annexation
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At the time of the Napoleonic Wars, the Cape Colony was conquered and became a colony of the British in 1815. Numerous conflicts arose among the British, Boers, and Zulus in due course.
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It witnessed a sudden shift from an agrarian-based economy to the significant developments in industries, especially after discovering diamonds and gold during the 19th century.
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There was a war between the British and the Zulu (1879), namely the Anglo-Zulu war. In the end, the Zulu nation lost its freedom to the former.
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On May 31, 1902, the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed, bringing peace to the Boer republics as it acknowledged British sovereignty on their commitment to reconstruct the areas under their control.
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During the Dutch and British colonial years, though laws were passed to keep the movement of citizens under control, including the NLA - Native Location Act, 1879, European colonists withheld the authority.
Conclusion
British rule has been a crucial period for the African countries under its control. Though they lost their freedom to it yet, the British worked for their development.
FAQs
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What were the two phases of colonial rule over South Africa?
There were two phases of colonial rule over South Africa: invasion by farmers and others by Europeans.
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When did the cape colony become a part of the British?
At the time of the Napoleonic Wars, the Cape Colony was conquered and became a colony of the British in 1815.
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What do you know about NLA?
NLA - Native Location Act, 1879 was passed to keep Europeans' migration movements under control.
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