The Great Trek in South Africa
How did the Afrikaners respond to British control in South Africa?
A. They created two independent territories of their own.
B. However, in 1795, Britain took control of parts of South Africa.
C. The Afrikaners fought several wars with tribes and conquered some more land.
D. Many British government officials and citizens settled in South Africa.
Answer:They created two independent territories of their own.
Explanation:
The Afrikaners in South Africa responded to British control by creating two independent territories of their own. The Afrikaners founded the independent republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State in the 1820s as a result of British influence and policies.
The Orange Free State was a Boer Republic in South Africa that existed from 1854 until the end of the Second Boer War in 1902. The capital of the Orange Free State was Bloemfontein, founded in 1846, which from 1848 to 1854 was the capital of the British colony of the Orange River Sovereignty.
The Great Trek in South Africa refers to the movement of Afrikaners further north and east to inland South Africa in response to British control and policies. The Afrikaners, also known as Boers, were Dutch descendants in South Africa who rebelled against British influence.
During the Great Trek, many Afrikaners sought more fertile farmland and independence from British rule. This led to the establishment of the independent republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State, where the Afrikaners could govern themselves and preserve their way of life.
Despite facing resistance from native groups and engaging in wars with tribes like the Zulu, the Afrikaners were able to conquer land and establish their own territories. The discovery of gold in their republics further shaped the history and development of South Africa in the late 19th century.
The Great Trek remains a significant event in South African history, highlighting the struggles for power, land, and independence in a complex colonial and post-colonial context. The Afrikaners' response to British control reflects their determination to assert their identity and autonomy in the face of external influence.