The British arrival in South Africa began in 1806 with the annexation of parts of the Cape. This lead to conflicts with the existing people and the British in 1852 the British recognized the independence of Transvaal and in 1854 the independenc of the Orange Free State. In 1867 diamonds were discovered in a part of the Orange Free State. This lead to a diamond rush with people all aroudn the world coming to look for diamonds thus in the 1870's it was annexed by the British. In 1877 tensions began to harden as the Boers those living in the Orange Free State said this had been a violation of the 1854 treaty. In December 1880 Transvaal revolted and redeclared its independence. Boer farmers attacked the 94th foot column leading to the British formely declaring war against Transvaal.
