Second Boer War

SouthAfrica1885

Alexander Duncan Turnbull 1901, Boer War

Foto van oorlog

Leander Starr Jameson00

KrugerPaulusJohannes

Rifle, bolt action (AM 1930.61-17)

The Second Boer War (11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902), also known as the South African War or the Anglo-Boer War, was a conflict fought between the British Empire and two Boer states, the South African Republic (Republic of Transvaal) and the Orange Free State, over the Empire's influence in South Africa. It is a significant event in South African history and marked the end of the Boer independence in the region.

Background

The discovery of gold and diamonds in the Boer states in the late 19th century intensified the conflict between the Boers and the British. The British sought to control the rich resources and the strategic position of South Africa, which was crucial for the empire's global naval strategy. The Boers, on the other hand, strived to maintain their independence and resist British imperialism.

Causes

The immediate cause of the war was the British ultimatum to the Boer states, demanding voting rights for the Uitlanders (foreigners, primarily British, who worked in the Boer territories' mines) and the respect of British supremacy in the region. The Boers, viewing this as a direct threat to their sovereignty, declared war on the British.

Course of the War

The war was fought in three phases. The first phase saw the Boer forces, using guerrilla tactics, besieging the British garrisons in the towns of Ladysmith, Mafeking, and Kimberley. The second phase was marked by British reinforcements arriving in South Africa and launching a counter-offensive, relieving the sieges and taking control of the Boer capitals, Pretoria and Bloemfontein. The final phase was a protracted guerrilla warfare conducted by the Boers against the British, which eventually led to the exhaustion of the Boer forces.

Concentration Camps

A controversial aspect of the British military strategy was the establishment of concentration camps to house Boer civilians and African people displaced by the conflict. These camps were overcrowded and lacked proper sanitation, leading to high mortality rates from diseases.

Treaty of Vereeniging

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902. The treaty confirmed the British sovereignty over the Boer republics, but promised civil rights to the Boers and financial aid for rebuilding the war-ravaged territories. The Boer territories were incorporated into the British Empire, leading to the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.

Impact

The Second Boer War had a lasting impact on the region and the British Empire. It highlighted the limitations of British military tactics and led to military reforms. The war also intensified racial divisions in South Africa and laid the groundwork for the system of Apartheid that would be instituted decades later.

Legacy

The war is remembered for its brutal tactics, including the use of scorched earth and concentration camps. It also marked the emergence of future military and political leaders, such as Winston Churchill and Jan Smuts. The war has been commemorated in various memorials and works of literature, reflecting its complex legacy in South African and British history.