Outbreak of the South African War
The South African War began on October 11, 1899, when Boer forces attacked British territories following a British ultimatum demanding that the Boers cease their mobilization.
1899
1899
Siege of Mafeking
One of the early significant events of the South African War was the Siege of Mafeking, which began in October 1899 and lasted until May 1900. British forces, led by Colonel Robert Baden-Powell, successfully defended the town against Boer attacks.
1899
Battle of Talana Hill
The Battle of Talana Hill took place on October 20, 1899. It was the first major clash of the South African War, resulting in a British victory but with heavy casualties.
1899
Battle of Elandslaagte
On October 21, 1899, British forces won the Battle of Elandslaagte, securing a strategic railway point and boosting British morale early in the South African War.
1899
Siege of Kimberley
The Siege of Kimberley began in October 1899 and lasted until February 1900. Boer forces surrounded the diamond-mining town, but British reinforcements eventually lifted the siege.
1900
Relief of Ladysmith
The Relief of Ladysmith occurred on February 28, 1900, when British forces broke the Boer siege that had lasted since November 1899, marking a turning point in the South African War.
1900
Battle of Paardeberg
The Battle of Paardeberg, fought from February 18-27, 1900, ended with a significant British victory and the surrender of Boer General Piet Cronjé, marking a crucial moment in the South African War.
1900
Capture of Bloemfontein
British forces captured Bloemfontein, the capital of the Orange Free State, on March 13, 1900, further advancing their position in the South African War.
1900
Annexation of the Orange Free State
On May 28, 1900, the British formally annexed the Orange Free State, renaming it the Orange River Colony as part of their strategy in the South African War.
1900
Capture of Pretoria
British forces captured Pretoria, the capital of the South African Republic (Transvaal), on June 5, 1900, signaling a major shift in control during the South African War.
1900
Annexation of the Transvaal
The British annexed the South African Republic (Transvaal) on September 1, 1900, as part of their efforts to consolidate control over Boer territories during the South African War.
1901
Guerrilla Warfare Phase
From 1901, the South African War entered a guerrilla warfare phase, with Boer commandos employing hit-and-run tactics against British forces, prolonging the conflict.
1901
Concentration Camps
The British established concentration camps for Boer civilians in 1901, resulting in widespread suffering and high mortality rates, which became a controversial aspect of the South African War.
1902
Treaty of Vereeniging
The South African War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging on May 31, 1902. The treaty granted British sovereignty over the Boer republics while promising eventual self-government.
1902
End of the South African War
The signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging marked the end of the South African War on May 31, 1902, leading to the establishment of British control over the former Boer republics.
1910
Formation of the Union of South Africa
In 1910, the British colonies of Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony were unified to form the Union of South Africa, a dominion within the British Empire, influenced by the outcomes of the South African War.
