History of Botswana

The history of Botswana traces the societies and political changes that shaped the country, from early communities and Tswana states through British rule to independence in 1966 and the modern republic.

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Tswana people: A southern African Bantu-speaking people whose communities formed several influential polities in present-day Botswana and neighboring countries. Tswana-speaking communities formed the principal precolonial states within the territory.
Bechuanaland Protectorate: A British protectorate established in 1885 over territory that became Botswana, with administration later based in Mafeking. It was the colonial framework that preceded the independent state.
Bathoen I: A leader of the Bangwaketse who ruled in the nineteenth century and negotiated with British authorities over his people's territory. His resistance to territorial encroachment exemplifies chiefly diplomacy before and during protectorate rule.
Botswana Democratic Party: A political party founded in 1962 that has governed Botswana since independence in 1966. Its long electoral dominance has strongly influenced the postcolonial political system.
Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I's 1895 visit to Britain: A 1895 delegation by three Tswana rulers to Britain to oppose the transfer of their territories to Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company. The delegation helped secure direct British protection rather than company rule.
Bamangwato: A Tswana polity and community centered in northeastern Botswana, historically led by the Khama dynasty. Its leaders became central figures in protectorate politics and the independence movement.
Berlin Conference: An 1884–1885 meeting of European powers that set rules for their claims and expansion in Africa. The conference's partition politics formed the imperial backdrop to Britain's protectorate declaration.
Sebele I: A leader of the Bakwena who ruled in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and opposed colonial land concessions. His political actions joined other chiefs in defending Tswana land and authority.
Botswana–South Africa relations: The diplomatic, economic, and security relationship between Botswana and South Africa. Regional ties affected Botswana's choices during apartheid and continue to shape its development.
Botswana independence: The end of British protectorate rule and establishment of the Republic of Botswana on 30 September 1966. This date marks the decisive transition from colonial administration to self-government.