ACTIVITY: Britain Takes Control of the Cape

SOURCE B

This source outlines the reasons for Britain to take over the Cape. Once revolutionary armies of France invaded Holland in 1795, the British feared that the French would take control of the Cape, which was then under the control of the Dutch East India Company (DEIC or VOC, the Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie). Under the control of the French, Holland became known as the Batavian Republic. Therefore, in 1795, the British seized control of the Cape from the DEIC. The British feared that the DEIC were not powerful enough to protect the Cape from potential French invasion. The British gave up their control of the Cape, handing it over to the Batavian Republic in 1803. However, due to the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), the British were increasingly fearful of a French takeover at the Cape. The British also wanted to maintain control over the sea-trade route to India. In 1806, the British sent troops to take over the Cape, and the British took control of the Cape once again.

1.1 Define the term invasion.
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1.2 Which European country controlled the Cape before it was officially taken over by Britain?
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1.3 According to the source, what did the British fear with regards to the ownership of the Cape?
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1.4 Why was it important for Britain to take over the Cape? Explain.
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1.5 According to the source, how did the British take over the Cape?
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1.6 What is the main message behind this source? Explain.
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