Ended the Second Boer War, bringing the Boer republics under British sovereignty while promising eventual self-government.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 31 May 1902
- Conflict ended
- Second Boer War
- Boer signatories
- South African Republic and Orange Free State
- Victorious power
- United Kingdom
- Territorial outcome
- Transvaal and OFS became British colonies
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Second Boer War, fought between the British Empire and the two Boer republics — the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State — had reached a point where Boer guerrilla resistance could no longer be sustained against British military pressure, prompting negotiations for a formal end to hostilities.
On 31 May 1902, representatives of the South African Republic, the Orange Free State, and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Vereeniging, formally concluding the Second Boer War. The Boer republics accepted British sovereignty, while Britain agreed to detailed terms governing the transition, including provisions for the eventual restoration of self-government.
The Boer republics were absorbed into the British Empire as colonies, but the promise of self-government was honored when the Transvaal and Orange River Colony received responsible government in 1906 and 1907 respectively, laying groundwork for the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.
Political Outcome
The Boer republics surrendered sovereignty to the British Crown; hostilities ceased and a path to colonial self-government was established.
Independent Boer republics of the South African Republic and Orange Free State
Both republics incorporated as British colonies under Crown sovereignty