Batswana Paramount Chiefs Bathoen, Sebele and Khama “the Great”, sought British Government protection against the Boer threat in the last quarter of the 19th Century.
1885: Area North of Molopo to 22 degrees latitude, was declared a protectorate of the British Crown known as Bechuanaland.
1895: Southern part of the territory, including Mafikeng, was incorporated into the Cape Colony which is now part of South Africa, neighbouring Botswana.
1910: Cecil John Rhodes planned to incorporate the territory into the administration of his British South Africa Company. This was stalled by a protest taken to England by the Chiefs - Khama II of the Bangwato, Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse and Sebele I of the Bakwena.
1920: Union of South Africa was established, and debate on possible inclusion of Bechuanaland continued.
1950: African and European Advisory Councils were established.
1961: Joint Advisory Council of Africans and Europeans was set up.
1963: New Bechuanaland Constitution provided for Executive and Legislative Councils.
1964: Constitutional discussions which led to 1964 acceptance of proposals and revision of Constitution were held in the territory.
1966: Internal self-government was attained on March 1. Administration was transferred from Mafikeng to the new capital, Gaborone. Bechuanaland became the independant state of BOTSWANA on September 30, 1966.
1967: Discovery of one of the world’s largest diamond pipes at Orapa.
1968: Plans were underway for mining of copper-nickle matte at Selebi-Pikwe.
1974: Production begins at Selebi-Pikwe mine.
1975: The Bank of Botswana was instituted.
1976: South African Rand displaced by Botswana’s own currency; Pula 1.00 made up of 100 thebe.
1980: The first President of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama, died. His Vice-President, Dr Quett Masire becamse the new President. Jwaneng Diamond mine came into full production.
1983: National Food Strategy inaugurated.
1984: The newly constructed Sir Seretse Khama International Airport was opened.
1985: South African commandos carried out a military raid into the capital-city, Gaborone, killing 12 people.
1986: Twentieth Anniversary of Independence celebrations. Gaborone attains city status.