Tourism, Accommodation and Historical Attractions in Natal, South Africa

The First Boer War (1881) - The Causes

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The Great Trek resulted in the establishment of the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State in 1852.

The British, in violation of an agreement with the Boers (early settlers of Dutch extraction) however, annexed the South African Republic in 1877 by hoisting the Union Jack in Church Square in Pretoria without resistance.

The Boer leaders were unpopular amongst their own people and there was little feeling of nationalism. However, things began to simmer and meetings - particularly one at Paardekraal (Krugersdorp) that was attended by 10,000 Boers - to oust the British were called. The Transvalers reinstated the Republic after negotiations broke down in 1880 and the two countries were inevitably at war.

Next: Failure precipitates Conflict