colonisation of the cape

Motivation for European Sea Route to the East

European countries sought direct trade routes with Eastern countries, specifically the Spice Islands, requiring a sea route around Africa to the Indian Ocean.

VOC

Dutch East India Company, which decided that the Cape was the ideal location for a stopping point on the route to the Spice Islands.

Dutch Settlement at the Cape (1652)

In 1652, Dutch settlers led by Jan van Riebeeck established a small settlement at present-day Cape Town.

DEIC

Dutch East India Company, also known as VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie).

Labor performed by slaves at the Cape

Slaves were essential for building infrastructure and expanding agricultural production in South Africa, similar to their roles in the Americas and West Indies.

Number of slaves brought to the Cape

Approximately 30,000 slaves were brought over 150 years.

Origin of slaves at the Cape

Nearly all slaves came from regions around the Indian Ocean.

Escape methods for slaves at the Cape

Some runaway slaves hid on Table Mountain.

Slave rebellions at the Cape

There were two major rebellions, but difficult to unite due to strict controls and vast distances.

Differences in slavery between the Cape and Americas

The Americas had between 12 and 15 million slaves brought over 300 years, whereas the Cape had 30,000 over 150 years.