Second Boer War

The Second Boer War was a war fought in southern Africa between 1899 and 1902. It was between the British Empire and two independent states called the Boer republics. These republics were the South African Republic (also known as the Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. The word Boer means farmer in Dutch, and it was used to describe people of Dutch descent who had settled in the region. The war began after years of tension about land, power, and control of valuable resources, especially gold. British leaders wanted more influence in the area, while the Boer governments wanted to remain independent. Fighting took place across wide areas of what is now South Africa.

The causes of the war developed over many years. In the late 1800s, large amounts of gold were discovered in the Transvaal. This discovery brought many foreign workers, called uitlanders, a Dutch word meaning outsiders. Many of these workers were British. The Boer government limited their political rights, which caused anger among British leaders. At the same time, the British Empire was expanding its control in Africa. The Boer republics feared losing their independence. Talks between British officials and Boer leaders failed. In October 1899, the Boer republics declared war on Britain, hoping to act before more British soldiers arrived.

At the start of the war, the Boer forces had early success. They were mostly farmers who knew the land well and were skilled with rifles. They used fast movement and surprise attacks. Boer fighters laid siege to British-held towns such as Mafeking, Kimberley, and Ladysmith. A siege is when an army surrounds a place and cuts it off from supplies. The British army suffered several defeats during this time, including battles fought in December 1899, a period later called Black Week. These early losses shocked the British public and government.

In 1900, the war changed direction. Britain sent many more soldiers, including troops from other parts of the empire. British forces were led by commanders such as Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener. They captured the main Boer cities, including Bloemfontein and Pretoria. The Boer governments lost control of their capitals, but the war did not end. Instead, many Boer fighters changed their tactics. They began a guerrilla campaign. Guerrilla warfare uses small groups that move quickly and attack unexpectedly. This made the conflict longer and harder to control.

To respond to guerrilla fighting, the British used new methods. They built blockhouses, which were small fortified buildings, and connected them with barbed wire to limit Boer movement. The British also used a policy called scorched earth. This meant destroying farms, crops, and livestock so Boer fighters could not find food or shelter. Many Boer civilians, especially women and children, were moved into camps called concentration camps. In these camps, people were kept under guard. Poor food, overcrowding, and disease caused many deaths. The camps later became one of the most remembered parts of the war.

The war ended in May 1902 with the Treaty of Vereeniging. The Boer republics agreed to accept British rule, and the fighting stopped. In return, Britain promised to rebuild the country and later allow self-government. After the war, the region slowly recovered. In 1910, the former Boer republics and British colonies were joined together to form the Union of South Africa. The Second Boer War affected military planning, civilian life, and politics in southern Africa for many years after it ended.