One of the most significant wars of the 20th century is the (second) Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1902).
In short, it was a battle between the British Empire and the two Boer republics in South Africa (or what was then considered to be South Africa). One of the triggers was the discovery of gold which led to an influx of “foreigners” mostly from the Cape Colony.
The Boers, who were descendants of Dutch settlers, resented this influx and feared that the British would eventually take over their republics.
A number of interrelated factors led to the war, including conflicting political ideologies of imperialism and republicanism, the discovery of gold near Witwatersrand, tension between political leaders, the Jameson Raid and the Uitlander franchise.
After the first Anglo-Boer War the British Empire did not let go of its ambition to “unify” South Africa under imperial British rule. The two Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic (also the Transvaal) still maintained their desire for independence.
The Boer republics were a stumbling block for the British Empire because the Boers were brilliant fighters in spite of being heavily outnumbered.
The Boers ultimately lost the war.
They lost because the British Empire was too overwhelming in the end.
What matters is that the Boers held the British back for about two years, while the British thought that they’d defeat the Boers within a couple of months.
Mark Weber is a historian and director at the Institute For Historical Review (IHR).
Subscribe to my War Report, sent to your inbox every few days.
