Convict crisis

Cape Colony protest

The Convict crisis, also known as the "Anti-convict demonstrations" or "Anti-convict agitation" or "Cape Town anti-convict petition" was a period of civil unrest and protesting, lasting from 4 July 1849 to February 1850, in the Cape Colony. It was caused by the prospect of the British authorities making the Cape Colony a penal colony and was triggered by the arrival off the coast of Cape Town of a ship, The Neptune, carrying 288 ticket-of-leave convicts from Ireland. The event was important in forming a distinct political identity in the Cape and strengthening the movement for self government.

This keyword could refer to multiple things. Here are some suggestions: