Reaction of the Tswana people to European colonial rule

Reaction of the Tswana people to European colonial rule

In the Tswana people with their numerous petty chiefdoms lying between the Transvaal Highveld and the Kalahari, began to experience concerted foreign interference.

From the East, the Boer farmers were encroaching on their grazing lands, from the South, the British adventurer, traders and missionaries were showing active interests. Of particular significance was the fact that through the country ran the 'road to the north -as proposed by John Cecil Rhodes. This was the only passage way open to the British from the Cape.

The Tswana country as the prize, the whites were going to face a contest of interests. The Boers spurred on by some favorable events within the Tswana country, took the initiative in this move in this move.

In the early 1880's they formed two independent Republics called Stella land and Goshen land, which they took with liberty. The annexation of these areas was due to conflicts around Mafeking between two Rolong Chiefs - Montsioa and Moshete.

In the south, the Korana under chief Massauw had-been attacked by the Tihaping Mankoroane - with assistance from theTransvaal Boers, Moshete and Massouw warriors came out victorious.

By way of acknowledging their gratitude to their allies, the chiefs made grants of land to the Transvaalers and Goshen and Stella land came into being officially in 1884.

These events to the British were now effectively blocking their northern adventures into the interior.

The situation was made worse because the Boers were now exerting their weight around the road to the north. The Germans' government was also proclaiming a protectorate on the South West Africa (Namibia) around Angra- Pequeria.

To the British, this could rob them of economic control of the Boer republics- their arch enemies- Transvaalers and the Germans. Therefore the British took a strong stand in the affairs of what became Botswana (Botswana Land).

This is why in 1885 the British declared or cover curve out territory in Botswana or the (Bechuanaland protectorate). The take over in the Bechuanaland gave birth to British colony of Bechuanaland, as chief Khama of the Bamagwato people placed them selves under the protection of the British.

By 1894, British Bechuanaland was placed under the Cape government, as the protectorate remained under 'Her Majesty Government'. In all these responses no single threat of violate or a single spear had been thrown by the Tswana in opposition. This was due to roots of Christianity pioneered by the Chief Khama