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Louis Botha

(1862-1919), General and South African statesman

20th Century Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 9 portraits
Born of German descent near Natal (now in South Africa), Botha grew up in the Orange Free State and was educated at a German missionary school. In 1884 he served in the army, helping to found the New Republic in Zululand (now northern KwaZulu Natal). Botha became politically active when the New Republic became part of the South Africa Republic, winning election to parliament in 1897. At the outbreak of the South African War in 1899, he served as a General but was unable to restrain the droves of British reinforcements. Forced to negotiate by the British, he signed the Peace of Vereeniging treaty on 31 May 1902. In 1910 he became the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa. Under his party's administration he limited the political rights of black South Africans. In 1913, The Natives' Land Act was passed segregating land throughout the Union, forcing black South Africans to move from their homes to 'native reserves' which laid the foundations of apartheid.

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Louis Botha, by Unknown photographer - NPG P1700(59a)

Louis Botha

by Unknown photographer
vintage print, 1901 or before
NPG P1700(59a)

General Officers of World War I, by John Singer Sargent - NPG 1954

General Officers of World War I

by John Singer Sargent
oil on canvas, 1922
On display in Room 25 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 1954

Louis Botha, by John Singer Sargent - NPG 2908(8)

Louis Botha

by John Singer Sargent
pencil, circa 1922
NPG 2908(8)

Statesmen of World War I, by Sir James Guthrie - NPG 2463

Statesmen of World War I

by Sir James Guthrie
oil on canvas, 1924-1930
On display in Room 25 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 2463

Louis Botha, published by Ogden's - NPG x196285

Louis Botha

published by Ogden's
bromide cigarette card, published early 1900s
NPG x196285

'Defenders of Our Empire', published by James Valentine & Sons Ltd, after  Frank Arthur Swaine, and  Langfier Ltd, and  Alexander Bassano, and  Sport & General Press Agency Ltd, and  James Russell & Sons - NPG x197673

'Defenders of Our Empire'

published by James Valentine & Sons Ltd, after Frank Arthur Swaine, and Langfier Ltd, and Alexander Bassano, and Sport & General Press Agency Ltd, and James Russell & Sons
bromide postcard print, 1911 or after
NPG x197673

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