Civil Rights
Advised by Joseph Chamberlain to give civil rights to Uitlanders, in the Transvaal
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1899 in South Africa
Explore 40 historical events and records for South Africa in 1899.
Historical records for South Africa in 1899
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 40 unique records.
40Unique records
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27Named events on this page
15Named people on this page
15Places on this page
March
Reform of Civil Rights
Advised by Joseph Chamberlain to give civil rights to Uitlanders, in the Transvaal
May
Bloemfontein Conference
Resists British demands over uitlander rights.
October
Boer Ultimatum
Issues an ultimatum demanding withdrawal of British troops.
Declaration of War
The Boers resent the policy of Chamberlain which deprives Transvaal of independence
Independence of South Africa
The Boers resent the policy of Chamberlain which deprives Transvaal of independence
Independence of Transvaal
The Boers resent the policy of Chamberlain which deprives Transvaal of independence
Declaration of War
The Boer republics declare war after Britain rejects their ultimatum.
Declaration of War
Joins the Transvaal in war against Britain.
Siege of Mafeking
Mafeking is besieged until British relief arrives in May 1900.
Siege of Mafeking
Begins the siege of Mafeking.
Battle of Talana Hill
Commands Boer forces at Talana Hill.
Battle of Elandslaagte
Is mortally wounded after defeat at Elandslaagte.
Battle of Rietfontein
De Wet serves with the Free State forces opposing White's British column during the fighting at Rietfontein.
Battle of Nicholson's Nek
Takes part in the Boer victory near Ladysmith.
Boer War Service Begins
Enters active campaigning despite having opposed the war.
Vryheid Commando Service
Joins the Vryheid commando when war begins.
November
Siege of Ladysmith
Directs Boer operations around Ladysmith.
Siege of Kimberley
Takes part in operations leading to the relief of Kimberley.
Mafeking Command Transfer
Cronje leaves the Mafeking siege area, after which local command passes to General Snyman.
Siege Command at Mafeking
Snyman assumes command of the Boer forces maintaining the siege of Mafeking after Cronje departs.
Battle of Willow Grange
Joubert's Boer forces repel the British attack at Willow Grange before ending their advance into southern Natal.
Battle of Modder River
Takes part in operations leading to the relief of Kimberley.
Battle of Modder River
Takes part in operations leading to the relief of Kimberley.
Battle of Modder River
Delays Methuen's advance toward Kimberley.
Siege of Kimberley
Takes part in operations leading to the relief of Kimberley.
December
Battle of Stormberg
Helps defeat Gatacre's column.
Battle of Magersfontein
Cronje inflicts heavy losses on the British under Methuen
Battle of Magersfontein
Near the Modder River, a Boer victory over the British under Methuen
Battle of Magersfontein
Defeats Methuen's attack at Magersfontein.
Battle of Magersfontein
Is forced to retreat before the superior forces of Lord Roberts
Battle of Colenso
British defeats during Black Week expose early military failure.
Battle of Colenso
Commands Boer forces contributing to the victory at Colenso.
Battle of Colenso
Defeats Buller's army at Colenso.
British Advance Repulsed
Helps defeat Buller's attempt to relieve Ladysmith.
Siege of Ladysmith
Takes part in operations around the siege and relief of Ladysmith.
Other events (month unknown)
Commander of Boer Army
Appointed 2nd-in-Command of the Boer army under General Smuts
Commander of Boer Army
Appointed 2nd-in-Command of the Boer army under General Smuts
Commander of Transvaal Army
Appointed Commander of the Transvaal Army
Transvaal Government Issues British Ultimatum
President Paul Kruger's government demanded withdrawal of British troops as tensions escalated toward the Second Boer War.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.