The British seized the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch in the early 1800s, sparking a conflict between colonists of both powers and native Africans. During the 1800s, the southern portion of Africa was challenged by a mix of cultural and ethnic diversity along with a number of economic interests. Following the Napoleonic Wars, [...]

During the 1800s, the southern portion of Africa was challenged by a mix of cultural and ethnic diversity along with a number of economic interests. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the British Empire seized the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch in 1815. This allowed the Empire to protect its interests in India as ships passed around the Cape. This also gave the British a foothold on an important African colony, much like other European powers. In order to stave off the forces of other nations, Britain would have to act quickly in order to consolidate its power. Portugal controlled East and West Africa, Germany controlled Namibia, Belgium controlled the Congo and France held Equatorial Africa and Madagascar.