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Until late 18th century Cape was under Dutch rule and was recognized as Dutch Colony and in early 19th century British troops took it over. Under British rule South Africa developed even more since British was more developed itself. "Within very short time British merchants dominated commerce at the cape" . All the way through 19th century British settlers and troops seized more land progressing in west-north direction. Cape colony under British was developing quickly since Britain invested a lot of capital there. Also the number of settlers increased in the Cape because of the merchant-capitalist economy. Also in late 19th century rich deposits of diamonds and gold were discovered. Which in turn, required a labor force to "dig the wealth" and created "working class of Africa". By the late mid-19th century Britain claimed Natal, and later was moving towards "Orange Free State" where Boers (Afrikaners) were living. This eventually resulted in Anglo - Boer War of 1899-1902, after which Boers surrendered to the British. And "in 1910 the Self-governing Union of South Africa established within British Commonwealth" . This Union of South Africa was declared as "self - governing" and it was a British dominion. However, South Africa had a lot of influence on the ruling part from London since it had its troops there. Throughout the 20th century Union of South Africa got "autonomy" from British direct rule and became eventually self - governing "quasi" independent state. And as British Empire started loosing its "grip" on South Africa became more sovereign and eventually was out of the Commonwealth by mid - twentieth century. The major reason for this was World War II and Britain could not finance the control of the South Africa. From 1961 South Africa was self governing independent state, however practicing what it has been practicing since its creation in the early 20th century - apartheid.