- British Cape Colony bordered Dutch republics of Orange Free State and Transvaal, who had been in region since 1833 and moved north from Natal, which Britain annexed in 1845. During first ½ of 19th century, relations between British and Boers was peaceful and British had recognised Boer states in 1950s, though claiming some control over territories. Discovery of diamonds in 1867 near Kimberely on the Vaal River in West Griquland, bordering Orange Free State, triggered ‘diamond rush’ attracting white settlers and native Bantu to region.
- In 1868, British annexed Basutoland (land of Khoi Khoi and Sotho people) claiming indigenous Africans were seeking British protection against Boers. In 1871, British also took West Griqualand. Following annexation, 2000 Griqua trekked eastwards to establish Griqualand East in 1873. This was also annexed by Britain in 1874.
- British went on to propose federation of British and Boer territories in 1875, Boers rejected. Area suffered from extreme instability as both British and Boers tried exerting control over valuable area for traders.
- In Xhosa War of 1887-88, British easily disarmed neighbouring tribesmen and annexed communities to Cape. Boers struggled with Pedi tribe, who maintained independence in eastern Transvaal. British announced annexation of Transvaal in 1877, claiming defence of white European settlers against Pedi and Zulus. Boers reluctantly accepted and British launched invasion of Zululand in 1879.
- British defeated Zulus therefore Boers declared total independence from Britain in 1880. Boers turned on British: attacked army garrisons across Transvaal and won series of victories culminating in humiliating failure at Majuba Hill in February 1881, where over 150 Britons killed.
- British forced to sign Convention of Pretoria, recognising Boer self-government in Transvaal though Britain still claimed right to control external affairs.
- In 1884, arrival of German presence in south-West Africa rose fears of German-Boer alliance. Britain consequently annexed Bechuanaland between German South-West Africa and Transvaal to prevent union.
- In 1886, new gold discoveries at Witwatersand near Transvaal capital of Pretoria was eagerly sought by trading companies, bringing mass of non-Boer Europeans (known as Uitlanders) into Transvaal, including Cecil Rhodes.
- Cecil Rhodes received charter for ‘British South Africa Company’ in October 1889 seeking to enrich self and Empire. Aim was to create continuous British land route from Cape Town to Egypt.
In September 1890, Rhodes’ company established fort at Salisbury in Mashoanaland, home to Shona people, aiding British control in the region. British dominance in South Africa was not assured however.