South Africa (1879-1965) Flashcards
What was Lord Carnarvon’s plan for South Africa, and how did the Zulus respond?
Lord Carnarvon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, aimed to expand British imperial influence by federating British colonies and Boer Republics. He sent Sir Bartle Frere as High Commissioner to execute this plan, requiring the disbandment of the Zulu army and the absorption of Zululand into British territories. King Cetshwayo refused, leading to conflict. (1877-1879)
What were the key weapons and strategies used by the Zulu army?
The Zulu army was equipped with assegai thrusting spears (iklwa), clubs, shields made from cowhide, and some throwing spears. Their warfare strategies involved overwhelming enemies through numerical superiority and tactical encirclements (buffalo horn formation).
What happened at the Battle of Isandlwana, and why was it significant?
The British were heavily outnumbered and outmaneuvered by the Zulu army of nearly 20,000 warriors. The Zulus, despite inferior weaponry, overwhelmed and killed over 1,300 British troops, marking one of the worst defeats of a European force by an indigenous army. (1879)
How did the British respond after Isandlwana, and what was the result?
After reinforcing their army, the British decisively defeated the Zulus at the Battle of Ulundi. King Cetshwayo became a fugitive, and the British divided Zululand into 13 chiefdoms ruled by compliant chiefs to prevent future unity. (4 July 1879)
Why did tensions rise between the British and the Boer Republics?
The discovery of diamonds and gold in the Boer Republics led to increased British interest. The Boers resisted granting political rights to British settlers (Uitlanders) and refused civil rights to Africans, leading to British annexation attempts. (1867-1877)
What tactics did the Boers use to fight the British in the First Boer War?
The Boers relied on mobility, stealth, marksmanship, and initiative. They used their skills as hunters and farmers to snipe at British troops, often using competitions to hone their sharpshooting abilities.
What happened at the Battle of Laing’s Nek?
The Boers, using superior marksmanship and strategic positioning, killed 150 out of 480 British troops, including many senior officers. (1881)
What happened at the Battle of Majuba Hill, and why was it important?
The British suffered heavy casualties, including Major-General Colley, who was shot in the head. This defeat forced the British to sign a peace treaty, marking the first time they were defeated and had to negotiate unfavorable terms. (1881)
How did the Boers prepare for the Second Boer War?
The Boers had around 25,000 men equipped with modern rifles and artillery. They could mobilize within two weeks and had an extensive intelligence network that the British underestimated. (1899-1902)
How did the Boers resist the British after their initial defeats?
The Boers switched to guerrilla tactics, targeting railways, supply lines, and British infrastructure. This prolonged the war and forced the British to adopt scorched earth policies.
What was the Treaty of Vereeniging, and what were its terms?
The treaty ended the Second Boer War, granting Boers £3,000,000 for reconstruction and promising eventual self-government, which was granted in 1906 and 1907. (Signed May 1902)
What was the National Party, and what did it stand for?
Founded by J.B.M. Hertzog, the National Party promoted Afrikaner nationalism and campaigned under the slogan “South Africa first,” seeking independence from British influence and culture. (1915-1920s)
How did Afrikaner nationalists spread their ideology?
Afrikaner nationalism was spread through new media like the Christian-nationalistic journal Koers, which promoted Afrikaner identity, moral superiority, and historical narratives of their struggle. (1930s-1940s)
What was the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), and why was it significant?
The SANNC was founded in Bloemfontein to unite Black South Africans against racial discrimination. It advocated peaceful protest and passive resistance, taking inspiration from Gandhi’s tactics. (8 January 1912)
What role did Nelson Mandela play in the anti-apartheid movement?
Mandela co-founded the ANC Youth League and later Umkhonto weSizwe, the ANC’s armed wing. He led a sabotage campaign against the apartheid government and was imprisoned for 27 years. (1961-1990)
How did Seretse Khama contribute to Bechuanaland’s independence?
After being exiled for marrying a white woman, Seretse returned and led the Botswana Democratic Party. He became the first President of independent Botswana. (Independence in 1966)
How did Hastings Banda influence Nyasaland’s independence movement?
Banda led opposition to the Central African Federation and was jailed in 1959. After protests and unrest, Nyasaland became Malawi with Banda as its leader. (Independence on 6 July 1964)
How did Kenneth Kaunda lead Zambia to independence?
Kaunda formed the United National Independence Party (UNIP) and led civil disobedience campaigns. Zambia gained independence, and he served as its first President. (1964)
What was Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), and what were its consequences?
Ian Smith declared UDI to maintain white minority rule, sparking a 15-year civil war between the Rhodesian Front and black nationalist groups (ZANU and ZAPU). The conflict ended with the establishment of Zimbabwe. (UDI in 1965, independence in 1980)
