Pretoria Convention facts for kids
Paul Kruger and Evelyn Wood in negotiations, relief by Anton van Wouw
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| Context | End of the First Boer War and defeat of the British Empire and subsequent independence for the South African Republic |
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| Signed | 3 August 1881 |
| Location | Pretoria, South African Republic (Negotiated in Newcastle) |
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| Language | English, Afrikaans |
The Pretoria Convention was an important peace agreement. It officially ended the First Boer War. This war was fought between the Boers (Dutch settlers in South Africa) and Great Britain. The treaty was signed in Pretoria on August 3, 1881. It had to be approved by the Boer government, called the Volksraad. Even though the Volksraad had some concerns, they eventually agreed to the treaty. This happened after Britain said no more changes would be made.
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What Was the Pretoria Convention?
This agreement was a peace treaty. It ended the First Boer War. This war lasted from December 16, 1880, to March 23, 1881. The treaty was signed in Pretoria. This city is in what was then the South African Republic.
Who Was Involved?
The main groups involved were the Transvaal Boers and Great Britain. The Boers were settlers of Dutch origin. They lived in the Transvaal region of South Africa. Great Britain was the powerful British Empire.
What Did the Treaty Say?
Under this agreement, the South African Republic got back its self-government. This meant they could rule themselves. However, Britain still had some control. This was called "nominal British suzerainty". It meant Britain had a bit of say, but the Boers mostly ran their own country.
Where Was It Prepared?
The British government did its preparation work for the Pretoria Convention in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. This town is in what is now South Africa.
What Happened Next?
The Pretoria Convention was later replaced. A new agreement, called the London Convention, took its place in 1884.
Why Was This Treaty Needed?
The Pretoria Convention was signed to end the fighting. It stopped the First Boer War. This war was also known as the First Anglo-Boer War.
How Did It Start?
By the time of the Battle of Majuba, both sides were talking. The governments of the South African Republic and Britain were in contact. President Brand of the Orange Free State helped them communicate. He acted as a go-between.
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