raharris1973
Well-known member
What if in 1842, the Dutch Empire accepted a protectorate over the Boer Republic of Natalia?
After the Napoleonic Wars, the British annexed the former Dutch Cape Colony into their empire. As a result, during the 1830s, the Boers, descendants of Dutch colonists who where unhappy with the British, leaved the Cape Colony, and were going to the east. This is called the Great Trek.
In 1839, some of this Boers established the Boer Republic of Natalia, in which is now KwaZoeloe-Natal.
However, in the beginning, the British accepted Natalia. But in 1842, they marched to Natalia. However, prior to this, and anticipating it, the Republic offered the Dutch king William II to become a colony of the Netherlands. But William II refused this.
What if…
But what if in an alternate timeline, William II accepted Natalia’s offer (or, if you want a real POD, let’s assume that William I stays in power until his death in 1843, and hé accepts the offer). This would lead to the return of the Netherlands in South Africa after 1806, when they lost the Dutch Cape Colony.
So, what do you think what would have happened?
Would the Netherlands be able to be tied additional Boer Republics inland? Would Britain escalate this issue to war an ultimatum threatening war anytime sooner or later? If not, how does Natal develop differently with a Boer population and government, and any separate Boer inland republics having access to a non-British controlled port? Would they Dutch play any larger role in southern Africa or any other part of Africa by alliance or direct colonization?
After the Napoleonic Wars, the British annexed the former Dutch Cape Colony into their empire. As a result, during the 1830s, the Boers, descendants of Dutch colonists who where unhappy with the British, leaved the Cape Colony, and were going to the east. This is called the Great Trek.
In 1839, some of this Boers established the Boer Republic of Natalia, in which is now KwaZoeloe-Natal.
However, in the beginning, the British accepted Natalia. But in 1842, they marched to Natalia. However, prior to this, and anticipating it, the Republic offered the Dutch king William II to become a colony of the Netherlands. But William II refused this.
What if…
But what if in an alternate timeline, William II accepted Natalia’s offer (or, if you want a real POD, let’s assume that William I stays in power until his death in 1843, and hé accepts the offer). This would lead to the return of the Netherlands in South Africa after 1806, when they lost the Dutch Cape Colony.
So, what do you think what would have happened?
Would the Netherlands be able to be tied additional Boer Republics inland? Would Britain escalate this issue to war an ultimatum threatening war anytime sooner or later? If not, how does Natal develop differently with a Boer population and government, and any separate Boer inland republics having access to a non-British controlled port? Would they Dutch play any larger role in southern Africa or any other part of Africa by alliance or direct colonization?