Orange Free State

The Orange Free State (Afrikaans: Oranje Vrystaat) was an independent country in southern Africa during the second half of the 19th century, and later a province in South Africa. It is the historical precursor to the present-day Free State Province. Extending between the Orange and Vaal rivers, it was established as a free state by Boer settlers, after their departure from the British-dominated Cape Province (the Voortrek), and was annexed by the United Kingdom in 1848. The British recognised the independence of the Orange Free State on 17th February, 1854 and the county officially became independent on 23rd February, 1854, with the signing of the Contract of Bloemfontein. The Transvaal Republic, a sister Boer state, was granted independence around the same time.

Related Topics:
Afrikaans - South Africa - Free State Province - Orange - Vaal - Free state - Boer - Voortrek - Annexed - United Kingdom - 1848 - 17th February - 1854 - 23rd February - Contract of Bloemfontein - Transvaal Republic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although the Orange Free State developed into a politically and economically successful republic, it experienced chronic conflict with the British (see the Boer Wars) until it was finally annexed as the Orange River Colony in 1900. It joined the Union of South Africa in 1910. The republic's name derives partly from the Orange River (just as the Transvaal Republic was named after the Vaal River), but both names were bestowed by the Dutch Protestant settlers in honor of the Dutch ruling family, the House of Orange.

Related Topics:
Republic - Boer Wars - Orange River Colony - 1900 - Union of South Africa - 1910 - Orange River - Transvaal Republic - Vaal River - Dutch - Protestant - House of Orange

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~