Event of 1868: Basutoland is proclaimed a British Protectorate, becoming independent in 1966 as

Background. Between 1856 and 1868, the Basotho engaged in conflict with the Orange Free State. Their king, Moshoeshoe I, sought British protection, writing to Sir Philip Wodehouse, Governor of Cape Colony, on 29 August 1865 and again in July 1866. In January 1868 the Governor received a document dated 9 December 1867, signed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, authorizing the annexation of Basutoland to the Colony of Natal rather than to the Cape as Wodehouse had wished.

Proclamation. On 12 March 1868, a proclamation declared the Basotho British subjects and Basutoland British territory. This established the protectorate status. However, administrative control shifted when Basutoland was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871. This transfer was formalized by Act No. 12 of 1871 and confirmed by an Order in Council in November 1871.

Administrative Shift. Cape Colony rule proved unpopular and unable to control the territory, leading to the Basuto Gun War of 1880–1881. By an Order in Council dated 2 February 1884, which came into force on 18 March 1884, royal assent was given to a Cape bill repealing the Act of 1871. Basutoland was then brought under the direct authority of Queen Victoria via the High Commissioner, run by an Executive Council presided over by a series of British Resident Commissioners.