What was the Cape Colony, and what was its historical context?

The Cape Colony, also known as the Cape of Good Hope, was a British colony located in present-day South Africa. It existed in two main periods: from 1795 to 1802, and again from 1806 to 1910. It was preceded by an original Dutch colony of the same name, established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

When did the Cape Colony cease to exist as a separate entity, and what did it become?

The Cape Colony ceased to exist as a separate entity in 1910 when it united with three other colonies to form the Union of South Africa. It was then renamed the Province of the Cape of Good Hope, commonly known as the Cape Province.

What was the political status of the Cape Colony under British rule?

Under British rule, the Cape Colony was initially a Crown colony of the British Empire. It later became a self-governing colony in 1872, meaning it had its own elected government responsible for internal affairs rather than direct rule from Britain.

What were the official languages of the Cape Colony during its existence?

Initially, Dutch was the sole official language until 1822, when the British officially replaced Dutch with English. However, Dutch was re-included as a second official language in 1882, reflecting the linguistic diversity and historical roots of the population.

What was the capital city of the Cape Colony?

The capital city of the Cape Colony was Cape Town, a significant port city located at the southern tip of Africa.

What was the geographical extent of the Cape Colony?

The Cape Colony stretched from the Atlantic coast inland and eastward along the southern coast, encompassing about half of modern South Africa. Its final eastern boundary was the Fish River, and the Orange River, also known as the Gariep River, served as its northern boundary for some time, with additional land later added between the Orange River and Botswana's southern boundary.

Which enclaves were included in the Cape Colony from 1878?

From 1878, the Cape Colony also included the enclaves of Walvis Bay and the Penguin Islands, both of which are located in what is now Namibia. These were important strategic and economic additions to the colony.

What happened to the Cape Province after the 1994 creation of present-day South African provinces?

Following the 1994 creation of the present-day South African provinces, the Cape Province was partitioned into the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, with smaller parts incorporated into the North West province. This restructuring occurred after the end of apartheid.

Who established the initial trading post at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652?

An expedition of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) led by Jan van Riebeeck established a trading post and naval victualing station at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. This marked the beginning of European settlement in the region.

What was the primary objective of Jan van Riebeeck's expedition to the Cape?

Jan van Riebeeck's primary objective was to secure a harbor of refuge for VOC ships during their long voyages between Europe and Asia. This station would provide essential supplies and a safe haven for ships on the arduous journey.

Who were the *vrijburgers* in the Dutch Cape Colony, and what were their conditions for settlement?

The *vrijburgers*, meaning 'free citizens' or 'free people', were former Dutch East India Company employees who settled in the colonies overseas after completing their service contracts. They were mostly married citizens who undertook to farm the land within the fledgling colony's borders for at least twenty years, receiving tax-exempt status and loans of tools and seeds in exchange.

What was the 'Huguenot experiment' in the Dutch Cape Colony, and how was it perceived by colonial authorities?

The 'Huguenot experiment' involved the VOC sponsoring the immigration of nearly two hundred French Huguenot refugees to the Cape in 1688, who had fled religious persecution to the Netherlands. However, colonial authorities deemed it a failure a decade later, as many Huguenot arrivals had little experience with agriculture and became a net burden on the colonial government.

What cultural assimilation occurred among the diverse *vrijburger* population in the Dutch Cape Colony?

There was a degree of cultural assimilation among the diverse *vrijburger* population, which included Dutch, Swiss, Scandinavian, and German employees, primarily due to the almost universal adoption of the Dutch language. This reflected the dominant cultural influence of the Dutch in the colony.

Who were the Boers and *trekboers* in the Dutch colonial period?

Boers were colonists who settled directly on the frontier and became increasingly independent, migrating almost a thousand kilometers inland beyond the Cape Colony's initial borders. Some Boers adopted a permanent nomadic lifestyle and were specifically denoted as *trekboers*, meaning 'migrating farmers'.

What conflicts characterized the VOC colonial period regarding indigenous populations?

The VOC colonial period was marked by bitter, genocidal conflicts between the colonists and the Khoe-speaking indigenes, and later the Xhosa. Both indigenous groups were perceived by the colonists as unwanted competitors for prime farmland, leading to violent clashes.

How did the slave population at the Cape of Good Hope change by the end of the eighteenth century?

By the end of the eighteenth century, VOC traders had imported thousands of slaves to the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch East Indies and other parts of Africa. This led to a significant demographic shift, with the Cape's population swelling to about 26,000 people of European descent and 30,000 slaves.

What event led to Great Britain's initial occupation of the Cape Colony in 1795?

Great Britain initially occupied the Cape Colony in 1795 after France occupied the Seven Provinces of the Dutch Republic, the mother country of the Dutch United East India Company. This occupation was a strategic move by the British to better control the seas and prevent any potential French attempt to reach India.

Which battle resulted in the British taking control of the Cape Colony in 1795?

The British took control of the territory following the defeat of the VOC militia at the Battle of Muizenberg in 1795. This battle was a key event in the first British occupation of the Cape.

Why did the British return the Cape of Good Hope to the Batavian Republic in 1803?

The British returned the Cape of Good Hope to the Batavian Republic in 1803 under the terms of the Treaty of Amiens. This was a result of improving relations between Britain and Napoleonic France, and its vassal state, the Batavian Republic.

What prompted the British re-occupation of the Cape in 1806, and what was the outcome?

The British re-occupied the Cape in 1806 after their victory in the Battle of Blaauwberg. This occurred because the temporary peace between the UK and Napoleonic France had crumbled into open hostilities, and Napoleon was strengthening his influence on the Batavian Republic. The British aimed to keep Napoleon out of the Cape and control the Far East trade routes.

When was British possession of the Cape formally affirmed?

British possession of the Cape was formally affirmed in 1814 under the terms of the Convention of London. This treaty solidified British control over the strategically important colony.

What was the demographic situation of the Cape Colony at the time of British occupation in 1806?

At the time of British occupation in 1806, the white colonial population was small, numbering no more than 25,000 people scattered across a territory of 100,000 square miles. Most of these colonists lived in Cape Town and the surrounding fertile farming districts of the Boland, with Cape Town itself having a population of 16,000.

What significant social changes did the British introduce in the Cape Colony during their early colonization?

During their early colonization, the British introduced the first rudimentary rights for the Cape's Black African population and abolished slavery in 1834. However, the government proved unable to control settler violence against the San people, which continued largely unabated as it had during the Dutch period.

What was the 'Great Trek,' and what were its primary causes?

The 'Great Trek' was a mass migration of Boers inland, caused by their resentment against British social changes, such as the abolition of slavery and the imposition of English language and culture. These migrating Boers settled inland, eventually forming the Boer Republics.

How did the Xhosa Wars conclude, leading to a period of stability on the eastern border?

The long series of Xhosa Wars, fought between the Xhosa people and the Cape Colony government, finally died down when the Xhosa took part in a mass destruction of their own crops and cattle. This was done in the belief that it would cause their ancestors to wake from the dead, but the resulting famine crippled Xhosa country and ushered in a long period of stability on the border.

What was the political situation regarding executive power and internal tensions before the achievement of responsible government?

Before achieving responsible government, executive power remained completely in the authority of the British governor. This arrangement did not relieve tensions within the colony, particularly between its eastern and western sections, which often had differing interests.

When did the Cape of Good Hope achieve responsible government, and who became its first Prime Minister?

The Cape of Good Hope achieved responsible government in 1872, after a long political battle. John Molteno became its first Prime Minister, meaning an elected Prime Minister and his cabinet had total responsibility for the affairs of the country.

What were the positive outcomes following the establishment of responsible government in 1872?

Following the establishment of responsible government in 1872, the Cape Colony experienced a period of strong economic growth and social development. The eastern-western division was largely resolved, and the system of multi-racial franchise began a slow and fragile growth in political inclusiveness, leading to a subsidence of ethnic tensions.

Which territories were annexed by the Cape Colony in 1877?

In 1877, the Cape Colony expanded its territory by annexing Griqualand West and Griqualand East, which included the Mount Currie district, also known as Kokstad. These annexations were part of the colony's territorial expansion.

What was the purpose of the Warren Expedition in 1885?

The Warren Expedition in 1885 was sent to annex the Boer mini-republics of Stellaland and Goshen, which had emerged along the Missionary Road. Major-General Charles Warren annexed the land south of the Molopo River as the colony of British Bechuanaland and proclaimed a protectorate over the land lying to the North of the river.

What became the capital of British Bechuanaland, and what was its administrative center?

Vryburg, which was the capital of Stellaland, became the capital of British Bechuanaland. Mafeking, now known as Mahikeng, although situated south of the protectorate border, became the protectorate's administrative center.

When did British Bechuanaland become part of the Cape Colony?

British Bechuanaland became part of the Cape Colony in 1895. This further expanded the Cape Colony's northern borders.

What discoveries led to renewed instability and the rise of Cecil Rhodes in the Cape Colony?

The discovery of diamonds around Kimberley and gold in the Transvaal led to a return to instability in the region. These valuable mineral discoveries fueled the rise to power of the ambitious imperialist Cecil Rhodes.

What was the outcome of Cecil Rhodes's Jameson Raid?

Cecil Rhodes's ill-fated Jameson Raid failed and led to the downfall of his government. Despite its failure, it contributed significantly to the tensions that ultimately led to the Second Boer War and British conquest at the turn of the century.

How did Cecil Rhodes impact the political rights of Black African citizens in the Cape of Good Hope?

Cecil Rhodes brought in the first formal restrictions on the political rights of the Cape of Good Hope's Black African citizens. This marked a step backward for the multi-racial franchise that had previously existed.

Who was George Macartney, and what was his role in the Cape Colony?

George Macartney served as a Governor of the Cape Colony from 1797 to 1798. Governors were the chief executive officers appointed by the British Crown.

Who was Walter Hely-Hutchinson, and what was his role in the Cape Colony?

Walter Hely-Hutchinson served as a Governor of the Cape Colony from 1901 to 1910. He was one of the last governors before the colony merged into the Union of South Africa.

Who was John Charles Molteno, and what was his role in the Cape Colony?

John Charles Molteno was the first Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, serving from 1872 to 1878. His premiership marked the beginning of responsible government for the colony.

Who was John X. Merriman, and what was his role in the Cape Colony?

John X. Merriman served as a Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1908 to 1910. He was the last Prime Minister before the formation of the Union of South Africa.

What was the population of the Cape Colony in 1822, and what was its area?

In 1822, the Cape Colony had a population of 110,380 people and an area of 331,907 square kilometers (128,150 square miles). These figures provide a snapshot of the colony's size and population early in the British period.

How did the total population of the Cape Colony change between the 1865 and 1904 censuses?

The total population of the Cape Colony experienced significant growth, increasing from 496,381 in the 1865 census to 2,409,804 in the 1904 census. This indicates a substantial demographic expansion over this period.

What were the major ethnic groups and their proportions in the Cape Colony according to the 1904 census?

According to the 1904 census, the major ethnic groups in the Cape Colony were Black (59.12%), White (24.05%), Coloured (16.39%), and Asian (0.42%). These figures highlight the diverse composition of the colonial population.

What were the primary religions practiced in the Cape Colony?

The primary religions practiced in the Cape Colony included the Dutch Reformed Church, Anglicanism, and San religion. This reflects the influence of European settlers and the indigenous spiritual practices.

What was the currency used in the Cape Colony?

The currency used in the Cape Colony was the Pound sterling, which was the official currency of the British Empire. This standardized currency facilitated trade and economic integration within the empire.

Which entities preceded the Cape Colony?

The entities that preceded the Cape Colony included the Dutch Cape Colony, British Bechuanaland, the Republic of Swellendam, the Republic of Graaff-Reinet, and the Islands of Refreshment. These were various political entities that existed in the region before or alongside the British Cape Colony's formation and expansion.

Which entities succeeded the Cape Colony?

The entities that succeeded the Cape Colony were the Union of South Africa, Basutoland, and Tristan da Cunha. The Union of South Africa was formed by merging the Cape Colony with other British colonies in the region.

What was the population of Cape Town in 1833, and what percentage of it was enslaved?

In 1833, Cape Town had a total population of 19,227. Of this population, 28.89% were enslaved individuals, indicating a significant presence of slavery in the capital city before its abolition.

What was the total population of the Cape Colony in 1840, and how were the population groups distributed?

The total population of the Cape Colony in 1840 was reported as 162,000. This population was distributed among various groups: 50,000 Whites of Dutch, French & Swedish descent; 12,000 Whites of British descent; 35,000 emancipated slaves of 1834; 10,000 free coloured people before 1834; 40,000 Hottentots & Bushmen; and 15,000 coloured strangers from the interior.

What were the districts of the Cape Colony in 1850?

The districts of the Cape Colony in 1850 included Clanwilliam, The Cape, Stellenbosch, Zwellendam, Tulbagh/Worcester, Beaufort, George, Uitenhague, Albany, Victoria, Somerset, Graaf Reynet, and Colesberg. These administrative divisions helped manage the expanding territory.

Cape Colony Wiki: Unveiling the Cape Colony: A British Imperial Saga at the Tip of Africa

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Colony Overview

Geographical Scope

The Cape Colony, also known as the Cape of Good Hope, was a British colony situated in what is now modern South Africa. Its territory was largely coextensive with the later Cape Province, extending from the Atlantic coast inland and eastward along the southern coastline. This vast area constituted approximately half of contemporary South Africa. The eastern boundary, established after a series of conflicts with the Xhosa people, was delineated by the Fish River. To the north, the Orange River, known natively as the ǂNūǂarib (Black River) and later as the Gariep River, served as a significant boundary, though the colony's reach expanded further north over time to include land towards the southern border of Botswana. From 1878, the colony also incorporated the enclave of Walvis Bay and the Penguin Islands, both of which are now part of Namibia.

Chronological Existence

The Cape Colony existed in two distinct phases under British rule: initially from 1795 to 1802, and then continuously from 1806 until 1910. Its establishment marked a significant shift from its predecessor, the Dutch Cape Colony, which was founded in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Following the British re-occupation in 1806 and formal affirmation in 1814, the Cape of Good Hope remained an integral part of the British Empire, eventually gaining self-governing status in 1872. In 1910, it merged with three other colonies to form the Union of South Africa, subsequently becoming the Cape Province. This provincial designation persisted even after South Africa became a republic in 1961. The Cape Province was eventually partitioned into the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and smaller portions of the North West province during the 1994 creation of South Africa's present-day provinces.

Governance & Legacy

As a Crown colony of the British Empire, the Cape Colony's governance evolved significantly over its history. Its capital was Cape Town, a pivotal port city. The official languages shifted from solely Dutch to English in 1822, with Dutch later re-included as a second official language in 1882, reflecting the diverse European settler population. Beyond these, Afrikaans, Khoekhoe, and Xhosa were commonly spoken. The colony's journey from direct British control to self-governance in 1872 under a constitutional monarchy laid foundational elements for the future South African state. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of imperialism, marked by complex interactions between European settlers, indigenous populations, and imported enslaved peoples, shaping the demographic and political landscape of the region for centuries to come.

Historical Trajectory

VOC Settlement

The Cape's colonial history commenced in 1652 with an expedition from the Dutch East India Company (VOC), led by Jan van Riebeeck. Their primary objective was to establish a trading post and a vital naval victualing station at the Cape of Good Hope, serving as a crucial stopover for VOC ships traversing between Europe and Asia. Within three decades, a substantial community of "vrijlieden" or "vrijburgers" (free citizens) emerged. These were former VOC employees who, upon completing their service contracts, settled in the colony. They were predominantly married individuals committed to farming the land for at least two decades, receiving tax exemptions, tools, and seeds. The VOC's multinational character was reflected in the diverse origins of these vrijburgers, including Dutch, Swiss, Scandinavian, and German individuals. In 1688, nearly two hundred French Huguenot refugees, fleeing persecution, were also sponsored to immigrate. However, this "Huguenot experiment" was later deemed unsuccessful by colonial authorities, as many lacked agricultural experience and became a burden. Despite this, a significant degree of cultural assimilation occurred, with the Dutch language becoming almost universally adopted.

The VOC period was marked by increasing tensions and conflicts. Colonists who settled on the frontier, known as Boers (or trekboers when adopting a nomadic lifestyle), became increasingly independent and expanded almost a thousand kilometers inland. This expansion led to bitter and often genocidal conflicts with the indigenous Khoe-speaking peoples and later the Xhosa, as both groups were perceived as competitors for prime farmland. Furthermore, the VOC imported thousands of enslaved people from the Dutch East Indies and various parts of Africa. By the close of the eighteenth century, the Cape's population comprised approximately 26,000 people of European descent and 30,000 enslaved individuals, highlighting the profound impact of forced labor on the colony's development.

British Conquest

The geopolitical landscape of Europe significantly influenced the Cape Colony's fate. In 1795, with France occupying the Dutch Republic, Great Britain moved to seize the Cape Colony. This strategic maneuver was aimed at securing control over vital sea routes to prevent any potential French advances towards India. A British fleet of nine warships anchored at Simon's Town, and following the defeat of the VOC militia at the Battle of Muizenberg, Britain assumed control of the territory. The Dutch East India Company subsequently transferred its territories and claims to the Batavian Republic (the French-backed Dutch state) in 1798, before declaring bankruptcy in 1799. Improved diplomatic relations between Britain and Napoleonic France, and its vassal the Batavian Republic, led to the Cape of Good Hope being handed back to the Batavian Republic in 1803 under the terms of the Treaty of Amiens.

However, this peace was short-lived. By 1806, open hostilities resumed between the UK and Napoleonic France, whose influence over the Batavian Republic was growing. The British re-occupied the Cape after their decisive victory in the Battle of Blaauwberg on January 8, 1806. Their primary motivations were to deny Napoleon access to the Cape and to maintain control over the lucrative Far East trade routes. At the time of this second British occupation, the Cape Colony was a three-month sailing journey from London. Its European colonial population was relatively small, numbering no more than 25,000 scattered across a vast territory of 100,000 square miles. Most of these settlers resided in Cape Town and the fertile surrounding farming districts of the Boland, an area blessed with rich soils, a Mediterranean climate, and consistent rainfall. Cape Town itself had a population of 16,000. In 1814, the Dutch government formally ceded sovereignty over the Cape to the British under the terms of the Convention of London, solidifying British control.

British Colonisation

Following the formal cession, British immigration to the Cape Colony intensified, particularly with the arrival of the 1820 Settlers in Port Elizabeth, who aimed to establish a stronger British presence on the eastern frontier. During this period, the British administration began to introduce rudimentary rights for the Cape's Black African population, culminating in the abolition of slavery in 1834. However, these reforms were met with significant resistance from the Boers, who resented the social changes and the imposition of English language and culture. This discontent fueled the "Great Trek," a mass migration of Boers inland, where they eventually established independent Boer Republics. Despite this exodus, British immigration continued, and the ending of the British East India Company's trade monopoly stimulated economic growth within the colony.

The period was also marked by the protracted Xhosa Wars, a series of conflicts between the Xhosa people and the Cape Colony government, alongside Boer settlers. These wars eventually subsided after the Xhosa engaged in a mass destruction of their own crops and cattle, driven by a belief that this act would lead to their ancestors' resurrection. The ensuing famine severely weakened Xhosa society and ushered in a period of relative stability on the border. This newfound peace and prosperity, coupled with the "Convict crisis" of 1849, fostered a growing desire for greater political autonomy among the colonists. Consequently, in 1853, the Cape Colony was granted representative government, becoming a British Crown colony. The following year, in 1854, the Cape of Good Hope elected its first parliament, notably based on the multi-racial Cape Qualified Franchise, which granted voting rights to residents based on a universal minimum level of property ownership, irrespective of race. Despite these advancements, executive power remained firmly with the British governor, leading to persistent tensions between the colony's eastern and western sections.

Responsible Government

A pivotal moment in the Cape Colony's political evolution occurred in 1872 when it achieved "responsible government" under its inaugural Prime Minister, John Molteno. This significant constitutional change meant that an elected Prime Minister and their cabinet assumed full responsibility for the country's internal affairs, marking a substantial step towards self-rule. This era ushered in a period of robust economic growth and social development, effectively mitigating the long-standing political divisions between the eastern and western regions of the colony. The multi-racial franchise system, though fragile, also began to expand, fostering a greater degree of political inclusiveness and a reduction in ethnic tensions. The colony's territory further expanded in 1877 with the annexation of Griqualand West and Griqualand East, encompassing the Mount Currie district (Kokstad).

However, this period of stability was challenged by the discovery of diamonds around Kimberley and gold in the Transvaal, which ignited a new wave of instability. These mineral discoveries fueled the rise of ambitious imperialists like Cecil Rhodes. Upon becoming the Cape's Prime Minister in 1890, Rhodes aggressively pursued the expansion of British influence into the hinterland. His ill-fated Jameson Raid, an attempt to engineer the conquest of the Transvaal, ultimately failed and led to the collapse of his government. Nevertheless, it was a precursor to the Second Boer War and the eventual British conquest at the turn of the century. Rhodes's tenure also saw the introduction of the first formal restrictions on the political rights of the Cape of Good Hope's Black African citizens, a regressive step that foreshadowed future racial segregation policies. The politics of the colony became increasingly dominated by the escalating tensions between British colonists and the Boers. The Cape of Good Hope remained under nominal British rule until 1910, when it merged into the Union of South Africa, subsequently becoming the Cape Province.

Structure & Leadership

Political Framework

The Cape Colony operated as a Crown colony under the British Empire, transitioning to a self-governing colony in 1872. Its capital, Cape Town, served as the administrative and economic hub. Initially, Dutch was the sole official language, reflecting its origins as a VOC settlement. However, in 1822, English officially replaced Dutch, only for Dutch to be re-included as a second official language in 1882. Beyond these official languages, Afrikaans, Khoekhoe, and Xhosa were widely spoken, highlighting the linguistic diversity of the region. The governmental structure evolved from direct imperial control to a constitutional monarchy with a responsible government, where an elected Prime Minister and cabinet managed internal affairs.

Monarchs & Governors

Throughout its existence as a British colony, the Cape Colony was under the sovereignty of several British monarchs. These included George III (1795–1820), George IV (1820–1830), William IV (1830–1837), Queen Victoria (1837–1901), and Edward VII (1901–1910). The colony was administered by a series of Governors, who represented the Crown. Notable Governors included George Macartney (1797–1798) during the early British occupation and Walter Hely-Hutchinson (1901–1910) in the final years before the Union of South Africa. These figures played crucial roles in implementing British policy and managing the colony's affairs amidst complex social and political dynamics.

Prime Ministers & Key Dates

With the advent of responsible government in 1872, the Cape Colony saw its own Prime Ministers take the helm. John Charles Molteno served as the first Prime Minister from 1872 to 1878, initiating a period of significant internal autonomy. Later, John X. Merriman held the position from 1908 to 1910, overseeing the colony's transition into the Union of South Africa. The colony's historical timeline is punctuated by several key events:

1803–1806: Brief return to Dutch (Batavian Republic) rule.
January 8, 1806: British re-occupation after the Battle of Blaauwberg.
1814: Formal cession to Britain via the Anglo-Dutch Treaty.
1844: Administration of Natal by the Cape Colony.
November 3, 1871: Basutoland incorporated into the Cape Colony.
February 2, 1884: Basutoland separated to form its own colony.
May 31, 1910: Merged into the Union of South Africa.

Population Dynamics

Population Growth & Composition

The Cape Colony experienced significant population growth and demographic shifts throughout its history. Early census data from 1807 to 1833 illustrate a changing composition, including "Christian Males" and "Christian Females" (a category that encompassed both free Coloured people and Whites), "Free Blacks," "Khoekhoe," and "Slaves." The abolition of slavery in 1834 marked a profound social transformation. By 1840, the population was estimated at 162,000, with distinct groups identified, including Whites of Dutch, French, and Swedish descent, Whites of British descent, emancipated slaves, free coloured people, Hottentots & Bushmen, and coloured strangers from the interior. These figures highlight the complex ethnic and social stratification of the colony.

Population of the Cape Colony exclusive of military (1807-1833)

Year	Christian Males*	Christian Females*	Free Blacks Males	Free Blacks Females	Khoekhoe Males	Khoekhoe Females	Slaves Males	Slaves Females	Total
1807	13,624	11,990	529	605	8,496	8,935	18,990	10,313	73,482
1817	20,750	18,884	918	958	11,640	11,796	19,481	12,565	97,335
1823	25,487	23,212	891	1,098	15,336	15,213	19,786	13,412	116,205
1833	50,881	45,210	nd	nd	nd	nd	19,378	14,244	129,713

* Includes both free Coloured people and Whites. "nd" indicates "Not Distinguished" in censuses for those years.

Settlement populations in 1833

District areas	Free Males	Free Females	Male Slaves	Female Slaves	Total population	Percentage enslaved
Cape Town	6,656	7,016	2,864	2,691	19,227	28.89%
Cape District	4,193	3,489	2,735	1,523	11,940	35.66%
Stellenbosch	3,929	3,653	5,492	3,063	16,137	53.01%
Swellendam	6,125	5,717	1,596	1,428	14,866	20.34%
George	2,976	2,669	1,130	1,100	7,875	28.32%
Uitenhage	4,595	3,199	672	626	9,092	14.28%
Albany	4,850	4,525	75	69	9,519	1.51%
Somerset	5,340	4,649	76	680	10,745	7.04%
Graaff-Reinet	6,397	4,613	1,505	944	13,459	18.20%
Total	45,061	39,530	16,145	12,124	112,860	25.05%

Cape Colony 1840 census data

Population group	Reported number
Whites of Dutch, French & Swedish descent	50,000
Whites of British descent	12,000
Emancipated slaves of 1834	35,000
Free coloured people before 1834	10,000
Hottentots & Bushmen	40,000
Coloured strangers from the interior	15,000
Total	162,000

Census Data (1865-1904)

Later censuses provide a more detailed breakdown of the population by ethnic group, reflecting the evolving social structure of the Cape Colony. By 1904, the population had grown significantly to over 2.4 million. The largest demographic group was Black Africans, constituting 59.12% of the total. White South Africans made up 24.05%, followed by Coloured individuals at 16.39%, and a smaller Asian population at 0.42%. These figures underscore the multi-ethnic character of the colony and the demographic shifts that occurred over several decades of British rule. The primary religions practiced included the Dutch Reformed Church, Anglicanism, and traditional San religion, illustrating the blend of European and indigenous spiritual practices.

Census data: 1865–1904

Population group	1865 Census		1875 Census		1891 Census		1904 Census
	Number	Per cent (%)	Number	Per cent (%)	Number	Per cent (%)	Number	Per cent (%)
Black	nd	*	287,639	39.89	838,136	54.87	1,424,787	59.12
White	181,592	36.58	236,783	32.84	376,987	24.68	579,741	24.05
Coloured	nd	*	196,562	27.26	310,401	20.32	395,034	16.39
Asian	nd	*	nd	*	1,700	0.11	10,242	0.42
Total	496,381	100.00	720,984	100.00	1,527,224	100.00	2,409,804	100.00

Colonial Districts (1850)

In 1850, the Cape Colony was administratively divided into several districts, each playing a role in the colony's governance and development. These districts facilitated local administration, resource management, and the implementation of colonial policies across the vast territory. The delineation of these areas reflected both geographical features and the patterns of settlement and economic activity that had emerged over the preceding decades. Understanding these districts provides insight into the spatial organization of the colony and the challenges of governing such a diverse and expansive territory.

The districts of the Cape Colony in 1850 included:

Clanwilliam
The Cape
Stellenbosch
Zwellendam
Tulbagh/Worcester
Beaufort
George
Uitenhague
Albany
Victoria
Somerset
Graaf Reynet
Colesberg

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References

Penguin Islands and Walvis Bay

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Unveiling the Cape Colony

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Colony Overview 🗺️

📍 Geographical Scope

⏳ Chronological Existence

🏛️ Governance & Legacy

Historical Trajectory 📜

⚓ VOC Settlement

🇬🇧 British Conquest

📈 British Colonisation

🤝 Responsible Government

Structure & Leadership 👑

🏛️ Political Framework

👑 Monarchs & Governors

👨‍💼 Prime Ministers & Key Dates

Population Dynamics 👥

📈 Population Growth & Composition

Population of the Cape Colony exclusive of military (1807-1833)

Settlement populations in 1833

Cape Colony 1840 census data

📊 Census Data (1865-1904)

Census data: 1865–1904

🏘️ Colonial Districts (1850)

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Colony Overview

Geographical Scope

Chronological Existence

Governance & Legacy

Historical Trajectory

VOC Settlement

British Conquest

British Colonisation

Responsible Government

Structure & Leadership

Political Framework

Monarchs & Governors

Prime Ministers & Key Dates

Population Dynamics

Population Growth & Composition

Census Data (1865-1904)

Colonial Districts (1850)

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice