Transvaal facts for kids
Transvaal is a historical name for a large area of land in South Africa. It means "beyond the Vaal River", because it was located north of this river. Over time, different governments and regions in this area were known as Transvaal.
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What Was the Transvaal?
The name Transvaal has been used for a few different important parts of South Africa's history:
The South African Republic (1856–1902)
This was an independent country, also known as the Transvaal Republic. It was founded by Dutch-speaking settlers called Boers. They wanted to create their own nation away from British rule. This republic existed for many years until it was defeated by the British in the Second Boer War.
The Transvaal Colony (1902–1910)
After the British won the Second Boer War, they took control of the Transvaal Republic. They renamed it the Transvaal Colony. It was then part of the British Empire. This period lasted until the different British colonies in South Africa joined together.
The Transvaal Province (1910–1994)
In 1910, the British colonies in South Africa united to form the Union of South Africa. The Transvaal Colony became a large province within this new country. It remained a province even when the Union of South Africa became the Republic of South Africa in 1961. The Transvaal Province was very important, containing major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. In 1994, after the end of apartheid, the old provinces were divided into smaller ones, and the Transvaal Province no longer existed.
Other Uses of the Name
The name "Transvaal" has also been used for other things, often connected to the history of the region:
- Transvaal Park: A waterpark that used to be in Russia.
- Golden Lions: A modern South African rugby team that was once called "Transvaal".
- Gauteng cricket team: A modern South African cricket team that was also once known as "Transvaal".
- S.V. Transvaal: A football (soccer) club located in Suriname, which was named after the South African region.
- Gauteng Division: A part of the High Court of South Africa, which was previously known as the Transvaal Provincial Division.
- Transvaal: An area within the city of The Hague in The Netherlands.
In Spanish: Transvaal para niños
