South African History Quiz

Which European country originally established the Cape Colony in South Africa?

• Portugal

• France

• Netherlands

• Britain

Answer explanation

The Cape Colony in South Africa was originally established by the Netherlands in 1652 as a supply station for ships traveling to the East Indies, making it the correct answer.

What name was later given to the descendants of the Boers?

• Zulu

• Afrikaners

• Xhosa

• British

Answer explanation

The descendants of the Boers, who were Dutch settlers in South Africa, are known as Afrikaners. This term reflects their unique cultural and linguistic identity, distinct from other groups such as the Zulu or Xhosa.

What was the migration of the Boers inland known as?

• The Great March

• The Boer Exodus

• The Great Trek

• The South African Journey

Answer explanation

The migration of the Boers inland is known as 'The Great Trek.' This term specifically refers to the movement of Dutch settlers in the 1830s and 1840s as they sought to escape British rule in the Cape Colony.

Which colony did the British control in addition to the Cape by the 1850s?

• Transvaal

• Natal

• Orange Free State

• Pretoria

Answer explanation

By the 1850s, the British controlled Natal in addition to the Cape Colony. Natal was annexed in 1843, making it a significant British colony in southern Africa alongside the Cape.

The Boers controlled which two colonies?

• Cape and Natal

• Transvaal and Orange Free State

• Pretoria and Johannesburg

• None

Answer explanation

The Boers controlled the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, which were two independent republics in southern Africa. The other options listed do not represent Boer-controlled territories.

Which indigenous tribe resisted the loss of land in South Africa?

• Xhosa

• San

• Zulu

• Khoikhoi

Answer explanation

The Zulu tribe notably resisted land loss in South Africa, particularly during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Their strong military and cultural identity played a crucial role in their resistance against colonial encroachment.

Which precious resource was discovered in South Africa in the 1850s?

• Oil

• Coal

• Diamonds

• Iron

Answer explanation

In the 1850s, diamonds were discovered in South Africa, leading to a significant diamond rush. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in the history of precious resources, making diamonds the correct answer.

What other valuable resource was discovered in the 1880s, intensifying British interest?

• Gold

• Silver

• Copper

• Bronze

Answer explanation

In the 1880s, the discovery of gold in various regions, particularly in South Africa, significantly intensified British interest in these areas due to the potential for wealth and economic gain.

The 1909 Act of ______ formally united South Africa under British control.

• Independence

• Union

• Confederation

• Dominion

Answer explanation

The 1909 Act of Union formally united South Africa under British control, establishing it as a single entity within the British Empire. The other options do not accurately describe this historical event.

What is the capital city of South Africa where many black Africans migrated?

• Johannesburg

• Durban

• Pretoria

• Cape Town

Answer explanation

Pretoria is one of South Africa's three capital cities and has historically been a destination for many black Africans migrating for work and opportunities, making it the correct answer.