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YearMaps
Industrial Era1885 CE – 1889 CEPeak: 10,205 km² (1887 CE)

Nieuwe Republiek: Map & History

The Nieuwe Republiek was a small Boer republic which existed from 1884 to 1888 in present-day South Africa.

6.0
Capital: VryheidCapital at 27.77°S, 30.79°EPeak Extent: 10,205 km²Vector Attribution: Cliopatria (CC BY 4.0)Wikidata: Q552157 ↗
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Wikipedia: Nieuwe Republiek
Nieuwe Republiek historical cartography
Former country

The Nieuwe Republiek was a small Boer republic which existed from 1884 to 1888 in present-day South Africa. It was recognised only by Germany and the South African Republic. Its independence was proclaimed on 16 August 1884, with land donated by the Zulu Kingdom through a treaty. It covered 13,600 square kilometres (5,300 sq mi) and the capital was Vryheid or Vrijheid, both being alternative names of the state. The founder and president until it requested incorporation into the South African Republic on 20 July 1888 was Lucas Johannes Meyer, while Daniel Johannes Esselen acted as Secretary of State during the same period.

Capital / Seat
Vryheid
Common Languages
Dutch, Zulu
Imperial Currency
Pond
Peak Territory
10,205 km²
Key Dynasts / Leaders
Lucas Johannes Meyer
Succeeded By
South African Republic
Content & infobox metadata adapted from Wikipedia (Nieuwe Republiek)

Nieuwe Republiek in Depth

History

The origins of the republic can be traced to the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, which had created a great deal of turmoil in the area bordering Zululand, with refugees overrunning the lands of border farmers, as well as disrupting the seasonal movement of livestock. This created a desire to impose order, as well as enticing its participants with the possibility of gaining new lands for the Boers, who were trying to extend their territories. To this end, the Boers from the Utrecht and Wakkerstroom regions initially approached the recently defeated Cetshwayo and offered support in return of grants of land. They were, however, rebuked.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Nieuwe Republiek (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Nieuwe Republiek: Key Facts

Key facts about Nieuwe Republiek
CapitalVryheid
Official languageDutch
ReligionDutch Reformed Church
Form of governmentrepublic
Founded5 August 1884
Dissolved20 July 1888

Facts from Wikidata Q552157 (CC0).

Nieuwe Republiek Timeline

Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion

1 Epochs
Territorial Apex1887 CE

Expansion to peak recorded area of 10,205 km² in 1887 CE.

Nieuwe Republiek: Frequently Asked Questions

When did Nieuwe Republiek exist?

Nieuwe Republiek is dated to 1885 CE – 1889 CE, in the Industrial era.

What was the capital of Nieuwe Republiek?

The capital of Nieuwe Republiek was Vryheid.

How large was Nieuwe Republiek at its peak?

At its peak in 1887 Nieuwe Republiek covered about 10,205 km².