The Boer War, : Reasons and Consequences

Why Study the Boer War? It shows the attitude of politicians and the public of Britain at the turn of the century It highlights the health of soldiers It shows how much money the government had to spend on arms It gives the Liberal Party an issue to unite on

Colonialism in Southern Africa Britain had a huge empire, but there were many interested parties in Southern Africa In 1884 the LONDON CONVENTION conceded that there could be a Boer Republic Two areas were governed by the Boer: 1.The Transvaal 2.The Orange Free State

Map of Southern Africa

Background to Conflict In 1886, gold was discovered in the Transvaal The Transvaal became the richest area in Southern Africa Kruger (leader of the Boers) wanted to move away from all British guardianship German presence in the Southwest also took away British dominance

The Effect of Gold Uitlanders moved into the Boer Republic to profit from gold mining Most Uitlanders were British Cecil Rhodes, PM of Cape Colony (from 1890) believed the whole region should be British British Government believed the Boers should unite with GB against German interests in the area

The Jamieson Raid Rhodes’ Commissioner in Bechuanaland (Dr. Jamieson) launched an Uitlander raid into the Transvaal The Raid was disastrous and made Kruger determined to maintain full independence from Britain The Kaiser congratulated Kruger for standing firm

Outbreak of War A compromise between the Boers and the UK (led by Salisbury) is not reached War breaks out in October 1899 The might of the British Army to take on Dutch Farmers – belief that it will be over in months. Huge patriotism

Political Implications The Conservatives: 1.Win the Khaki Election in October Landslide majority – public very patriotic and celebrate several wins 2.By the end of the war popularity declines 3.It took 3 years to defeat farmers 4.Use of Concentration Camps 5.Dreadful state of recruits – 1 in 3 refused

Political Implications… 100,000 casualties 6,000 killed in action 16,000 died of disease or wounds War cost £200m in taxation

Political Implications… The Liberals: 1.Initially divided into pro-war and anti-war groups 2.David Lloyd George was accused of being unpatriotic 3.BUT would later use the Concentration Camps to their advantage 4.Later promised reforms to prevent the malnutrition evident in the recruits 5.Campaigned against “Chinese Slavery” 6.Won a landslide election in 1906

Things to remember Trasvaal and Orange Free State Kruger Boers Khaki Election Concentration Camps Chinese Slavery National Efficiency