British African Colonial Empire

The African Colonial Empire for Great Britain could be traced back to trading ports established along the African coast in the 17th century. Goods and slaves were extracted from the continent and exploited across the world.

The colonial holdings increased further during the wars against Napoleon, wherein the Dutch colonies were seized as they were under the control of the Bonapartes. When Napoleon was defeated, and his brother Louis remained as the king of Holland, many were returned with notable exceptions in Cape Colony. As a result, Holland moved north for further control.

Issues and disputes came to a head between Great Britain and Holland with the South African War, where Holland gave Great Britain a surprsing defeat. Great Britain retained control of Cap Colony, but was forced to recognize the Orange Colony of Holland.

In 1884, the Berlin Conference formalized the holdings of the Great European Powers. Great Britain was disappointed with their holdings, but agreed to the treaty in order to avoid further conflict.

The Great War saw fighting occur in Cape Colony as well as areas bordering between Great Britain and the German Empire. Great Britain was forced to cede control of the Cape Colony to Holland. However, when the Dutch monarchy fell and became the Dutch People's Republic, Cape Colony became the Cape Republic, joining the Commonwealth of Nations rather than returning as a colony of Great Britain.

Other losses included Egypt, who declared themselves an independent kingdom free from British overlords. Great Britain would begin a reconquest of Egypt leading up to the World War. Egypt would once again declare independence and push southward, conquering the region of Sudan and incorporating it into the kingdom. With Great Britain's defeat during the World War, the remaining African colonies were granted to Germany or America.