This KS3 history lesson explores the impact of the British Empire in South Africa, from early colonisation to the discovery of diamonds and gold, and the legacy of the Boer War. Students will investigate how different groups—the Dutch (Boers), Zulu kingdom, Khoisan, and British settlers—were affected by imperialism, slavery, migration, and trade.

Pupils will track key events such as Britain taking control of the Cape Colony (1795, 1806), the arrival of British settlers in 1820, the end of slavery in 1834, the diamond rush at Kimberley (1867), the Witwatersrand gold rush (1886), and the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Learners will evaluate similarities, differences, and power imbalances in South African society under British rule.

Want more? Browse my full British Empire series in my TES shop, including lessons on India, Kenya, West Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, New Zealand, China, and the Middle East.