| Cape Town History | ||
| British Rule | ||
| British Occupation | ||
| British forces landed on the Cape Peninsula in June 1795, and occupied Cape Town. Their purpose was to secure the settlement before it fell into the hands of Napoleon. After the Battle of Waterloo (1814) the Cape formally became part of the British Empire. British administration brought economic benefits to the Cape, but Governors were content to allow the life of the colony to continue much as before. A British middle class developed in the city built on the profits of trade. They embraced the ideals of the liberal reform movement - the end of slavery, free trade, education, public health, sport, charity and political debate. With the support of ambitious new government officials, the reform movement set in progress significant developments in the city, developing business, modernising the city, encouraging the press and societies, sport and infrastructure. Missionaries led a revival in church going, welfare and education. |
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| Afrikaner Reaction | ||
| The European population of Cape Town did not take easily to the new mood of liberalism and change, particularly emancipation. A conservative counter-movement began in response to liberalism, with its own newspapers and societies. The Dutch Reformed Church became a centre of this culture which took on a distinct identity as 'Afrikaners'. A more dramatic reaction to British liberalism was the Great Trek, a 'walk out' on British rule as thousands of Afrikaners set out to establish independent lands beyond the Vaal river. With the end of slavery, a new society evolved. Dramatic contrasts developed between the middle class with their regency townhouses and carriages and the artisans living in slums. After years of campaigning the middle class finally won the right to self-government, culminating in fully 'Responsible Government' in 1872, by which Cape Town became the capital of the Cape Colony. The parliament buildings were completed in 1885, and are still in use today. |
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