Boer republics

Quick Facts: Who was Boer republics?

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Boer republics

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Independent self-governing republics formed by Dutch-speaking settlers in Southern Africa.

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Origins & Early Life

The Boer republics (sometimes also referred to as Boer states) were independent, self-governing republics formed (especially in the last half of the 19th century) by Dutch-speaking inhabitants of the Cape Colony and their descendants. The founders – variously named Trekboers, Boers, and Voortrekkers – settled mainly in the middle, northern, north-eastern and eastern parts of present-day South Africa. Two of the Boer republics achieved international recognition and complete independence: the South African Republic (Dutch: Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, ZAR; or Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. The republics did not provide for the separation of church and state, initially allowing only the Dutch Reformed Church, and later also other Protestant churches in the Calvinist (specifically Afrikaner) tradition. The republics came to an end after the Second Boer War of 1899–1902, which resulted in British annexation and later (in 1910) incorporation of their lands into the Union of South Africa.

Career & Major Achievements

The Dutch East India Company (VOC) first issued land to the Free Burghers in 1657. The Free Burghers established two colonies at the Liesbeeck River near Rondebosch in the Western Cape. Following an application process, the Free Burghers formed two groups, the first group named their settlement Harman's Colony and the second group named theirs Stephen's Colony. By 1670, the VOC decided to grant additional land to the Free Burghers in order to increase grain production for the purpose of sustainability since grain had to be imported. The Free Burgher settlements gradually expanded towards the interior of South Africa.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The United Kingdom took over from the Netherlands as the colonial power at the Cape of Good Hope in 1806, replacing the Dutch Cape Colony with its own colony of the same name. Subsequently, a number of its Dutch-speaking inhabitants trekked (moved) inland, first in smaller numbers, then in groups as large as almost a hundred people, after 1834 in groups of hundreds. There were many reasons why the Boers left the Cape Colony; among the initial reasons were the language laws. The British had proclaimed the English language as the only language of the Cape Colony and prohibited the use of the Dutch language. As the Bible, churches, schools and culture of many of the settlers were Dutch, this caused a lot of friction.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1657: 1657 Milestone — The Dutch East India Company (VOC) first issued land to the Free Burghers in 1657.
2. 1670: 1670 Milestone — By 1670, the VOC decided to grant additional land to the Free Burghers in order to increase grain production for the purpose of sustainability since grain had to be imported.
3. 1806: 1806 Milestone — The United Kingdom took over from the Netherlands as the colonial power at the Cape of Good Hope in 1806, replacing the Dutch Cape Colony with its own colony of the same name.
4. 1834: 1834 Milestone — Subsequently, a number of its Dutch-speaking inhabitants trekked (moved) inland, first in smaller numbers, then in groups as large as almost a hundred people, after 1834 in groups of hundreds.
5. 1899: 1899 Milestone — The republics came to an end after the Second Boer War of 1899–1902, which resulted in British annexation and later (in 1910) incorporation of their lands into the Union of South Africa.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Boer republics

True or False: “The Boer Republics immediately established a strict separation between church and state upon their founding.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, the republics did not provide for the separation of church and state, primarily allowing only the Dutch Reformed Church.

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