The Boer War Lesson Objectives: 1)To know the events of the Boer War 2)To understand the political impact of the war. 3)To understand how it contributed to the Liberal victory in 1906.

What were the causes of the war? Britain became involved in this and by the end of the 19 th century she had outstripped the other nations. Britain’s dream was to have a line of unbroken territory that ran from the north to the south of Africa. In the 1870s there had been a move by the major European powers to colonise Africa. Known as the “Scramble For Africa”.

There were two small, independent countries that stopped Britain having an unbroken line Orange Free State Transvaal

The Boer War: The war can be broken into three phases; 1) Initial British setbacks, 2) British victories, 3) Guerrilla warfare The Boers quickly launched attacks on British territory and were successful. They surrounded Ladysmith and Mafeking. Also inflicted costly defeats on British such as at Spion Kop 1) Initial British setbacks:

2) British victories: However, once British reinforcements arrived the tide turned. Britain enjoyed overwhelming superiority in resources and manpower. The war became popular at this point crushing election victory for the Conservatives The sieges of Ladysmith and Mafeking were broken and the Boer Army was defeated in battle.

3) Guerrilla Warfare: Realising that they would lose in battle, the Boers resorted to using hit and run tactics against the British, known as Guerrilla Warfare. To combat this the British used a scorched earth policy. This was effective but proved unpopular both at home and abroad Furthermore, the British invented concentration camps in order to herd civilians and deprive the Boer guerrillas of bases from which to attack.

Conditions in the camps were terrible. Poorly organised with a lack of food and medical supplies Diseases such as typhus and cholera spread rapidly in the camps killing thousands Led to a national press campaign exposing the camps. A national and international scandal with GB being condemned by other countries!!!

In 1902 the Boers surrendered to the British. Treaty of Vereeniging signed in 1902: Orange Free State and Transvaal given to Empire but with chance to self govern in future Britain agrees to pay reparations for damage done to countries Very little celebration in GB. The war had become deeply unpopular.

Political Impact Of War: Despite the military victory, the Boer was a political disaster for the Conservative Government: The war had dragged on for too long against a weak opponent. It had cost Britain a huge amount to fight both financially and in men. This alienated many back in Britain.

The methods used to gain victory were seen as barbaric and not suited to country like GB. In particular the concentration camps created a scandal which led to much criticism abroad, and shame at home. The British middle classes were appalled and lost faith in the Conservatives. The war added to the call for social reform at home. Many volunteers for the army were shown to be unsuitable for service due to ill health. Two thirds of them were rejected; e.g.; in Manchester of 11,000 volunteers, 8,000 unfit.