The establishment of the Bechuanaland Protectorate by the United Kingdom marked a significant moment in colonial expansion in southern Africa during the late 19th century. The British sought to stabilize the region, which was characterized by ongoing disputes among various chieftaincies, particularly following the expansionist policies of the Boers from the Transvaal. The British government's decision to intervene stemmed from concerns over increasing Boer influence and the need to protect existing British settlements in the area. On March 31, 1885, after a season of negotiations and conflict, the British officially declared the Bechuanaland Protectorate, encompassing present-day Botswana but excluding areas heavily populated by the Boers. This protected status meant that local leaders had to acknowledge British authority while still retaining some degree of administrative autonomy.

The imposition of the protectorate was part of a broader strategy by the British Empire to extend its control throughout southern Africa, which included territories such as Natal and the Cape Colony. The stipulation of British oversight aimed to prevent further incursions from Boer settlers and to provide a measure of security for indigenous populations. The declaration led to the establishment of a civil administration to regulate the affairs of the protectorate, which included tax collection and infrastructure development. The impact of British rule began to reshape local governance and societal structures in profound ways. Over time, the British presence in the region would escalate conflicts and tensions, particularly with the emergence of the South African War in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the interests of colonial powers clashed with local aspirations for autonomy and recognition.