British Control of Walvis Bay

British control of Walvis Bay began when the United Kingdom took over the Cape Colony, which included this strategic deep-water harbor along the Skeleton Coast. The significance of Walvis Bay lay in its unique geographical position, as it was the only suitable harbor in the region, making it a valuable asset for maritime activities. Despite this, the extent of colonial settlement in the area was limited. Both the Dutch and the British showed little interest in penetrating further into the interior of Namibia, focusing instead on coastal areas. This lack of deeper exploration and settlement reflected the broader colonial attitudes of the time, where coastal trade routes were prioritized over inland expansion. The missionaries were among the first European groups to express interest in Namibia, indicating a different approach to engagement with the local populations compared to the colonial powers. The control of Walvis Bay thus marked a pivotal point in the British colonial strategy, emphasizing the importance of maritime access while simultaneously highlighting the challenges of inland colonization.