INDUSTRIAL CAPITALISM
At the end of this topic student should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of industrial capitalism
- Explain the demands of industrial capitalism
- Explain the roles of the agents of industrial capitalism in preparing Africa for colonisation
Demands of Industrial Capitalism
The Meaning of Industrial Capitalism
Explain the meaning of industrial capitalism
Capitalism is the social, political and economic system based on private
ownership of the major means of production. It first developed in
Europe during the fifteenth century when feudalism collapsed.
Under the capitalism system companies and individuals own and direct
most of the resources used in production of goods and services.
Capitalism underwent different stages before reaching its maturity.
These stages included:
- Commercial or mercantile capitalism
- Industrial capitalism
- Monopoly capitalism
The commercial or mercantile capitalism took place between the year 1500
and 1750 this was capitalism based on trade. The merchants obtained
wealth through trade activities. A lot of wealth was accumulated during
this period and therefore increased new demands that resulted into
development of another stage of capitalism known as industrial
capitalism.
The next stage was industrial capitalism; this was the period when
machines begun to be used for production in industries. The transition
to industrial capitalism was the period when mercantile capitalism was
giving way to industrial capitalism.
The transition was manifested by five major events namely:
- Political revolution
- Agrarian revolution
- Demographic revolution
- Commercial revolution
- Transport revolution
Therefore, the above mentioned revolution created a conducive condition
for capitalism to enter in the second stag; industrial capitalism. This
new stage was characterised by intensive competition among the
industrial capitalists. They were competing in terms of production of
goods and profit maximisation. This stage of industrial capitalism took
place between the 1750s and 1870s.
The Demands of Industrial Capitalism
Explain the demands of industrial capitalism
There were several demands of industrial capitalism, but most of them were mainly economic. These included:
- The need for raw materials
- Markets
- Areas for investment
- Cheap labour
At the period of industrial capitalism there were also changes in the
methods of production of commodities that the world was demanding in
increasing quantities.
The new methods of production involved the invention of machinery and
the investment of huge capital. Industrial capitalism began in England
by the end of eighteenth century; other countries such as French, Italy,
German and Belgium were growing into industrial nations.
This necessitated the high demand of industrial capitalism to advance several demands as explained below:
The need for raw materials
This was caused by increasing production due to expansion of industries
which needed large quantities of raw materials supply. These materials
included cotton, coffee, tea, iron ore, palm oil, sisal, sugar cane,
tobacco and rubber.
The available raw materials could not meet the demand. At the same time
they could not be produced in Europe at large quantities. This resulted
into the search and control of the sources of raw materials.
The need for markets
Due to the investment of capital in production, industrial goods flooded
the European markets. Overproduction and under consumption became a
critical problem among the industrial capitalists hence they were forced
to look for markets outside Europe
Areas for investment
Due to unreliable markets and high concentration of capital in Europe,
profit marginalization occurred. As a solution new areas for investment
were needed among other areas, Africa provided the best areas for
investment of such capital
In Africa the tropical crops could do better compared to other countries
it was also a good source for non agricultural raw materials such as
minerals and forest products.
Need for cheap labour
Due to labour consciousness caused by working class in Europe and
Britain in particular, the need to search for cheap labour become
important. This was a measure taken to compete in production for profit
maximisation.
Reasons for the increasing demand of industrial development in 19th century
Competition in industrial production:European capitalist nations increased the demand for industrial development as a result of competition in industrial production.
During the period before the nineteenth century Britain dominated the
industrial production and was the leading major industrial nation in the
world.
However, in the nineteenth century other European nations such as
German, France, Italy and Belgium became industrial nations. The
emergence of other nations in industrial development brought about
competition for markets of industrial goods, raw materials and areas for
investment. Therefore, the industrial nations were compelled to look
for an alternative for that competition outside Europe, where they could
sell their goods and collect raw materials.
Demands for raw materials: The
highly demanded raw materials were cotton, oil, sugar cane, ivory,
rubber and iron ore. Most of these raw materials could not be found in
Europe in large quantities. In fact, those tropical crops could not grow
in Europe. Following this Europe decided to produce such raw materials
in Africa, India, New Zealand, Australia and China. In those areas raw
materials were produced in large quantity than in Britain and other
nations in Europe.
In Africa sugar cane plantation were established by the French in the
Reunion and Mauritius Islands. The French depended on slave labour in
those plantation the main sources of slaves was east Africa and some
parts of southern Africa such as Mozambique.
The rise of other industrial nations: In
the 1870s other European countries were industrialised this resulted in
increased demand of raw materials. Therefore, it was difficult for one
European country to obtain raw materials from other European countries.
It was also more difficult for one European country to export her
manufactured goods to another European country. Each country was
struggling to protect its domestic market industries and controlling its
sources of raw materials.
American independence: Resulted
in the development of the industrial sector. By the beginning of the
1870s, Europe could not easily enter U.S.A since it had introduced
protective tariffs to keep out foreign manufactured goods and protect
its industries. By the 1860s, markets for manufactured goods and sources
of raw materials in Europe had greatly declined.
Accumulation of wealth: In order to ensure this they decided to invest the wealth that was being obtained in industries into other areas outside Europe.
Overpopulation and unemployment:The
problem of overpopulation and unemploymentwas also rising in European
countries. Therefore, the solution to those problems was sought outside
Europe
The need for assurance of genuine and reliable markets and control of sources of raw materials: Europeemployed
and sent agents to various important regions of Africa. These
industrial capitalism agents prepared Africans for colonisation in
future years. Therefore, in the early nineteenth century European
activities in Africa were led by agents of industrial capitalism known
as agents of colonisation.
Agents of Industrial Capitalism
There were about four groups of agents of industrial capitalism in Africa namely:
- Explorers
- Missionaries
- Traders
- Companies
- Association
Explorers
During the nineteenth century the major aim of European powers was the
exploration of Africa. In east Africa, exploration was done by the
prominent explores such as Speke, Burton, Grant, Samuel Baker, Henry M.
Stanley and Dr. Livingstone, while in central Africa and parts of Congo
the prominent explorers were Dr. Livingstone and later Henry M. Stanley.
And in West Africa the prominent explorers included Richard Lander, Dr.
Barth Mungo Park, Clapperton, Dr. Baikie, Gaspard Mollien and Cailie.
The journey of exploration was financed and supported by European
capitalists. The main aim was to gather information about Africa because
they needed a wider knowledge of the continent. They also wanted to
know about the raw materials which African had to sell and the location
of the main centers of population. Moreover, they were interested in the
knowledge of transport potentialities of African great river systems.
For example the British explorer, Mungo Park in 1780s, followed by
Clapperton and Richard Lander explored the Niger and gathered important
information about the economy and politics of West Africa.
Roles of explorers
They reported back about the potentialities of the African resources: Clapperton
reported about the river Niger to the British government while Speke
reported about the potentiality of Lake Victoria and named it Victoria
to honor Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
They provided important information about the nature of African societies: They reported about thehostility,
calmness and hospitality of the African people. This information played
a central role for the European colonialists during the decision making
process regarding the colonisation of Africa.
They
explored important mountains and researched the geology, climatic
conditions, topography, lakes and animal species in Africa:This knowledge later attracted European powers to colonise Africa.
They
provided messages to their government about the existing evils of slave
trade and the areas where slave trade was still conducted:Dr.
Livingstone's third journey through Tanganyika and Lake Regions of
central Africa was targeted for that as a result he informed the English
that the Yao's land was still characterised by slave raids and the
effects of slave trade such as sufferings, insecurity.
The information provided by explorers to their government was later used
by humanitarians in the struggle against the colonisation of Africa.
Missionaries
By the 19th century missionary activities had started in Africa. The
pioneers were the protestant churches of Europe and America. It was only
later that Roman arrived especially from France. The domination of
missionaries were the London missionary society, the church missionary
society, Roman Catholic missionary society and the universities mission
to central Africa (UMCA).
Few Christian missionaries were directly active agents of imperialism.
They were essential ingredients of the increasingly assertive European
access to Africa. However In most cases European Christian played an
important role in promoting and shaping the advent of European
capitalism.
The Roles of the Agents of Industrial Capitalism in Preparing Africa for Colonisation
Explain the roles of the agents of industrial capitalism in preparing Africa for colonization
The role played by missionaries in the colonisation of Africa
They acted as interpreters and propagandists at the time of treaty making:Mofat
stayed among the Ndebele for about 30 years serving the British South
African company (BSAC) for treaty making between the companies (BSAC)
and King Lobengula.
They acted as advisors to African chiefs:The British missionaries of the church missionary society convinced Kabaka to accept protectorate.
They introduced Western civilisation to the interior through education and schools: Thisaimed to prepare people of low ranks to serving colonial masters at the time of colonisation.
Missionaries softened the minds and the hearts of Africans: Their
activities were influenced by European imperialists' interests by
preaching and emphasising the spiritual beliefs such as “give to God
what which belongs to God," and "give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser”.
In the long run this preaching weakened African opposition and shaped
the regions for future colonial administration.
They converted Africans to the new faith: They
were easily employed as puppets to extend colonial rule. Typical
examples are the converts of Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana who were
able to protect the British economic interests and paved the way for
future colonisation by the British.
Missionaries reduced resistance among African societies: This was done by converting some societies and preaching obedience to administrators.
Introduction of new crops: Horner
grew coffee at Bagamoyo around 1870 the church missionaries society
grew cotton in Uganda. This prepared people to acquire the skills which
were important for future cash crop production during the colonial era.
They helped in the abolition of slave trade: Theyplanned
for successful Christianisation of the freed slaves as they preached
the word of God. They wanted to create the conducive and peaceful
environment for the development of legitimate trade which was
exploitative in nature and was after capitalists interests.
Missionaries had closer links with rulers and interfered even in political matters:They
allied European imperialism while they were working in the interior of
Africa. This situation provoked the hostility from African rulers. In
this case missionaries appealed strongly for the protection from their
home governments, which later led to effective colonisation.
Traders
Traders were among the first Europeans to visit the interior and coastal
areas of Africa. They came under the influence of capitalists who also
supported missionaries and explorers.
Their main aim was to exploit the new sources of raw materials, markets
and new areas in which industrial capitalists had to invest their
capital. Examples of traders are William Macknnon, James Stevenson,
Harry Johnston and Carl Peters.
The role played by traders in the colonisation of Africa
They opened a new a exploitative system: Therefore,
Africa became the target for European interests. This resulted in stiff
rivalries and competition among European industrial nations.
Introduction of circuit through legitimate trade: Thisinvolved
the importation of European manufactured goods. Thus, the chain of
dependence was created and the African local industries and the arts
were destroyed.
Traders exposed Africa to the world capitalist system of economy: The
use of currency, banking and credit facilities began to be witnessed by
Africans. This resulted into exploitation of African resources. The
fair and quick turns obtained by traders attracted European colonialists
to come into Africa.
They opened communication systems such as roads:This
laid the foundation for future colonial infrastructure. For example,
the road from Lake Nyasa to Tanganyika known as Livingstone road was
opened by traders and was used during the colonial administration.
Companies and associations
Companies and association were among the most important agents of
colonisation of Africa. Agents organised themselves into companies and
associations. They received finance from their home government so as to
operate effectively and differently in those areas, where the governing
powers had their economic interests. They aimed at financing the
exploration that showed the interest of coming to Africa.
Examples of the association included the Royal British Geographical
society, financed by John Speke to explore the river Nile. Another was
the African Association of British, which in 1788 financed Mungo Park.
Its major aim was to explore and identify the areas suitable for
agriculture, which could produce enough materials for export. Another
concern of that association was to identify the navigable rivers,
mineral deposits and assessing the market available for industrial
goods.
In the abolition of slave trade, merchant companies became increasingly
involved in the interior of Africa. The major aim of these companies was
to establish the so called “legitimate trade”. This was trade in
commodities and other resources that industrial capitalist required as
raw materials or as food for the urban working classes. The legitimate
trade did not involve the selling and buying human
Several companies in Africa were established at strategic points for the
purpose of collecting important commodities for export and supplying
manufactured goods from Europe.
In East Africa examples of these companies were the Imperial British
East African Company (I.B.E.A.C) founded in 1886 by William Macknnon. It
was also known as the British East Africa Association. Another company
was the Germany East African Company (G.E.A.C) founded in 1884 by Carl
Peters. In West Africa examples of companies formed included the Royal
Niger Company (R.N.C) which was formed by George Turban Goldie in 1884.
The association was concerned with commercial activities. King Leopold
expected that the company could improve the lives of native as well as
civilising them, exploiting natural resources and abolishing slave trade
and slavery in the region.
In central Africa the company prevailed was the Livingstone central
Africa Company (L.C.A.C). it was formed by Scottish capita lists James
Steven in 1878.
In south Africa there was the British south Africa company (B.S.A.C)
formed by Cecil Rhodes as a private company and operated in south and
central Africa by the year 1889, the company was given a royal charter
that included the full powers to administer the company.
The role played by companies in the colonisation of Africa.
Monopolisation and exploitation of African resources: These
resources were highly needed by the European capitalists in their
industries. In all parts of Africa Company played a crucial role of
collecting raw materials and carried out trade activities.
Elimination of local middlemen and creation of custom duties and tariffs: These was carried out by the companies which attracted the imperialists powers to control Africa.
The companies encouraged their home government to colonise Africa: For
example; the Royal Niger Company encouraged the British to colonise
Nigeria after gaining the control of the different trading areas in the
region.
Signing treaties: The
company played an important role of signing different treaties with
African local chiefs. These treaties helped imperial powers to claim and
justify the colonisation of particular territories, especially during
the Berlin Conference
One example was a treaty signed between Harry Johnston and chief Mandara
of Uchaga in 1884 to control thirteen square kilometers of land in
Kilimanjaro. Also Dr. Carl Peters of the society for German colonisation
signed treaties with a number of chief between Pangani and Rufiji.
These treaties were later used by the German government to control
Tanganyika.
Creation of infrastructure: These
included commercial centers, administrative headquarters, roads,
railways and waterways. They were allocated in those areas where they
operated where by later on were used by the imperial powers to transport
administrators to colonise and impose laws on the land.
The companies laid foundations for their home government to colonise African:They
suppressed African resistance through a police force used to maintain
peace, order and stability within the region. For example in East
Africa, the German East African Company recruited Swahili, Sudanese and
Buganda soldier to counter the coastal Arab resistance of 1888-1889.
They provided important information about economic potentiality of African areas:Africa was exposed to the imperial powers which aimed to colonise the continent.
The companies provided rudimentary administration in areas of their operation: Some
company leaders such as Sir. George Turban Goldie of the Royal Niger
Company, Harry Johnston, the representative of Cecil Rhodes of the
British South Africa Company, attended the Berlin Conference of 1884-188
5. They also notified the conference about areas where they operate on
behalf of their mother countries.
The company played an important role of marking of the administrative boundaries: Which
were later identified as boundaries of the European spheres of
influence. They prevented any other rival European imperial power from
taking their territories. This was evidenced in East Africa where the
German East Africa Company marked the area of the German in the
Anglo-German rivalry and achieved the 1886 agreement. While in South
Africa the British South Africa Company managed to map the claims of
Britain, thus preventing the Portuguese from interfering in the British
sphere of influence.
Furthermore, the companies used their security organs to abolish slave
trade in the areas of their influence. They introduced legitimate trade
in Africa.
Abolition of Slave Trade
The British government began the abolition of slave trade during the
years, 1822-1826. This was because of pressure by various groups based
on different factors.
The Reasons for the Abolition of Slave Trade
Explain the reasons for the abolition of slave trade
Rise of humanitarians in Europe such
as Christians and scholars condemned it on moral grounds. The
missionaries wanted it to be stopped because they wanted good conditions
for the spread of Christianity.
The formation of humanitarian movement in England aimed at stopping all
kinds of cruelty including slave trade, flogging of soldiers and child
labour.
Industrialisation in Britain, e.g. Britain industrialists urged its
abolition because they wanted Africans to be left in Africa so that
Africa can be source of raw materials for their industries, market for
European manufactured goods and place for new investment of surplus
capital
Formation of the anti slavery movement and the abolitionist movement in
1787, its chairman was Granville Sharp and others like Thomas Clarkson,
William Wilberforce who gathered facts and stories about the brutality
of slave trade and slavery to arouse public opinion in Britain.
Religious revival in Europe, Anglican preached and condemned slave trade
as opposed to laws of God and humanity. Catholic pope also protested
against the trade and prohibited it. In 1774, many religious leaders
served as examples when they liberated their slaves in England.
The French revolution of 1789 and the American revolution of 1776,
emphasised liberty, equality and fraternity (brotherhood) of all human
beings, as a result people began to question whether anyone had a right
to deprive a fellow man of his liberty when he had done wrong.
The British desire to protect their national interests: British
planters wanted slave trade stopped to avoid competition with other
European planters. This is because other planters were producing cheaper
sugar hence the need to stop over production
The rise of men with new ideas:Prof.
Adam Smith (challenged the economic arguments which were the basis of
slave trade when he argued convincingly that hired labour is cheaper and
more productive than slave labour, Rousseau spread the idea of personal
liberty and equality of all men.
Slaves had become less profitable: Yethad
led to overpopulation in Europe. Influential abolitionists like William
Wilberforce (a British member of parliaments) urged the British
government to legislate against the slave trade in her colonies.
The ship owners stopped transporting slaves from Africa and began raw materials directly from Africa and America to Europe, which led to a decline in slave trade.
The Tactics Used During the Abolition of Slave Trade
Assess the tactics used during the abolition of slave trade
The movement to abolish slave trade started in Britain with the
formation of anti-slavery movements. The British government abolished
slave trade through anti slave laws (legislation), treaties and use of
force.
The anti slavery movement was led by Granville Sharp, other members were Thomas Clarkson, William Wilberforce and others.
- The first step was taken in 1772 when slavery was declared illegal and abolished in Britain. The humanitarians secured judgment against slavery from the British court.
- In 1807, British parliament outlawed slave trade for British subjects.
- In 1817 British negotiated the “the reciprocal search treaties” with Spain and Portugal.
- Equipment treaties signed with Spain 1835, Portugal 1842 and America 1862. In east Africa in 1822 Mores by treaty was signed between captain Moresby and sultan Seyyid Said it forbade the shipping of slaves outside the sultan's territories. British sips were authorised to stop and search suspected Arabs slave carrying dhows.
- In 1845, Hamerton treaty was signed between Colonel Hamerton and sultan Seyyid Said. It forbade the shipping of slaves outside the sultan's East Africa territories i.e. beyond to the North.
- In 1871, the British set up the parliamentary commission of inquiry to investigate and report on slave trade in East Africa.
- In 1872, sir. Bartle Frere persuaded sultan Barghash to stop slave trade but not much was achieved.
- On 5th march 1873, the sultan passed a decree prohibiting the export of slaves from mainland and closed of slave market at Zanzibar. Zanzibar slave market was to be closed within 24 hours
- In 1876, sultan decreed that no slaves were to be transported overland.
- In 1897, decree left slaves to claim their freedom themselves
- In 1907, slavery was abolished entirely in Zanzibar and Pemba.
- In 1927, slavery ended in Tanganyika w hen British took over from Germany after the Second World War.
The Social and Economic Effects of the Abolition of Slave Trade
Assess the social and economic effects of the abolition of slave trade
Effects of the abolition of slave trade
Loss of independence, the suppression of slave trade led to loss of
independence that is to say, legitimate trade which provided equally
profitable business to both European and African traders. Many ship
owners diverted their ships from transporting slaves to transporting raw
cotton and raw sugar from Brazil and America.
It accelerated the coming of European missionaries to East Africa who
emphasised peace and obedience thus the future European colonisation of
East Africa.
Disintegration of the Sultan Empire: This
is because it loosened the economic and political control which the
sultan had over the east African nations. His empire in East Africa
therefore began to crumble. This gave opportunity to other ambitious
leaders like Tippu-Tip to create independent state in Manyema, where he
began selling his ivory and slaves to the Belgians in Zaire.
Closing of slave trade markets, for example Zanzibar in 1873 following
the Frere treaty signed between sultan Barghash and Bantle Frere.
Islam became unpopular as many converted to Christianity
African societies regained their respect and strength as they were no longer sold off as commodities.
Generally, abolition of slave trade was a catalyst to the partition of
East Africa whereby Britain took over Kenya, Zanzibar and Uganda while
Germany took over Tanganyika.
British Occupation of South Africa via the Cape
British at the Cape
Britain took control of the cape during the era of mercantilism in
Europe. At the end of 18th century the British became interested in
seizing the cape colony from the Dutch. During 1793 France invaded the
Netherlands. King William V. sought refuge in Britain and also asked for
protection for Dutch colonies and trading interests. During this time,
the British already controlled India and the trade between India and
Europe. In 1795 the British occupied the cape twice for a short period
of time. From 1806 onwards especially when the Napoleonic wars ended in
1815 the Britain made a formal purchase of the Cape from the Netherlands
for six million pounds sterling. Therefore British started to settle at
the Cape in 1806.
The Motives for the British Interests at the Cape
Explain the motives for the British interests at the Cape
Motives for British interests at the Cape
- To increase colonies: The British wanted to increase and expand her spheres of influence following this she decided to occupy the Cape.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 adwater for the reminder of their journey.
The Tactics Used by the British to Occupy the Cape
Assess the tactics used by the British to occupy the Cape
Tactics used by British to occupy the Cape
- 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. The Dutch thought that the British introduced the land law to take land from the Boers and redistribute it to the landless Khoikhoi so they opposed the land law.
- 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 inLondon as a result the majority did not get their compensation. However, freeing slavesendangered the economic survival of the Boers as they depended much on slave labour.
- 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. Hence English language replaced the Dutch as he official language.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduction of English law as the basis of the legal system in South Africa.
- 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
The great trek( Afrikaans: Die Groot Trek)
was an east ward and north ward migration away from British control in
the cape colony during the 1830's and 1840's by Boers (Dutch/Afrikaans
“farmer”).
The migrant were descended from settlers from western mainland Europe,
most notably from the Netherlands, northwest Germany and French
Huguenots. The great trek itself led to the founding of numerous Boer
republics, the Natalia republic, the Orange Free State republic and the
Transvaal being the most notable.
From the beginning of the 18th century the cape settlers expanded their
territory towards the north and the east. These settling movements were
led by the Trek Boers, white farmers who penetrated the hinterland
looking for grazing land for their cattle.
The Trek Boers preferred the free and unrestricted life on their ox
wagons and in tents to the more protected existence within the realms of
town administration. The price they had to pay for their lifestyle was
constant armed conflicts with native people. First the Khoikhoi
successfully resisted the conquest of their residential and grazing
land.
And from the turn of the century it was the people of the Xhosa living
to the east, who stood up against the Trek Boers. Frequent skirmishes
occurred, particularly in the Zuurveld in the east of the colony, to the
boundary of the great fish river. In 1779, the first of the ferocious
Xhosa wars broke out.
In the town communities the danger of a confrontation was also growing.
Here the opposing parties were on one hand the citizens, aspiring to
political autonomy, and on the other hand a weak, corrupt and almost
bankrupt colonial administration.
The town's people demanded their independence from the colonial
administration. In Swellendam and Graaff-Reinet, the first republics
were proclaimed, although they only existed for a short time. The power
struggle between citizens and administration ended with the landing of
British ships at the cape and the annexing of the colony to the United
Kingdom in 1795.
The Reasons for the Boer Trek
Explain the reasons for the Boer trek
British occupation of the cape allowed Boers to penetrate further into the interior.
Boers dislike laws imposed by British in the Cape Province which gave greater equality to non-Whites races.
Abolition of slavery, the British administration at the cape forced Boers to free their African slaves.
Boers dislike the system of land holding which was introduced by British i.e. Boers were to pay higher rent.
Misunderstanding between Boers stock farmers and British administration
Boers dislike the British government decision of using the English language as the language of the government and in courts.
Boers wanted to be outside of the British government authority.
The Effects of the Boer Trek
Assess the effects of the Boer trek
Creating of two Boer republics, that is the Orange Free State and South African republic.
Boers defeated black tribes on the way and took over their land and properties.
Establishment of apartheid policy.
Development of hostility between the Boers and British colonisers.
Africans were made property less labourers and squatters on Boers stock farms.
African land was alienated i.e. taken by foreigners
Intermarriage thus creation of Afrikaners.
BASIC ASSIGNMENT/ ACTIVITIES TO DO
- Explain the meaning of industrial capitalism
- Explain the demands of industrial capitalism
- Explain the roles f the agents of industrial capitalism in preparing Africa for colonialism
- Outline the major causes of the Boer Trek in South Africa.
- Write shot notes on the effects of the Boer Trek on people of South Africa.
- What are motives of the British at the Cape?
- Explain why the Boers managed to defeat the Africans in the interior of South Africa.
- Mention five tactics used by British to occupy the Cape.
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