Second Boer War

The Second Boer War, also known as 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.

Background

The origins of the war were complex and stemmed from the British desire to consolidate their control over the region, which was rich in resources such as gold and diamonds. The discovery of these resources in the Witwatersrand area heightened tensions between the British and the Boer settlers, who were primarily of Dutch descent.

Course of the War

The war began on 11 October 1899, with the Boers launching preemptive strikes into British-held territories. The early phase of the war was characterized by several Boer victories, including the Battle of Colenso and the Siege of Ladysmith. However, the British eventually reinforced their troops and adopted a scorched earth policy, which included the use of concentration camps for Boer civilians.

Major Battles

• Battle of Spion Kop
• Battle of Paardeberg
• Battle of Magersfontein

Aftermath

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging on 31 May 1902, which resulted in the annexation of the Boer republics into the British Empire. The war had significant long-term effects on the region, including the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910.

Legacy

The Second Boer War had a lasting impact on military tactics and the use of guerrilla warfare. It also highlighted the humanitarian issues associated with the use of concentration camps, which were later condemned by international observers.

See also

• First Boer War
• Scramble for Africa
• British Empire

References

• Pakenham, Thomas. The Boer War. New York: Random House, 1979.
• Farwell, Byron. The Great Boer War. New York: Harper & Row, 1976.

External links

• Britannica: Boer War
• South African History Online: Second Anglo-Boer War