In the 1870s there had been a move by the major European powers to

colonise Africa. Known as the Scramble For Africa.

Britain became involved in this and by the end of the 19th century she
had outstripped the other nations.
Britains dream was to have a line of unbroken territory that ran from
the north to the south of Africa.

NEXT
There were two small, independent countries that stopped Britain
having an unbroken line

NEXT
The war can be broken into three phases; 1) Initial British setbacks, 2)
British victories, 3) Guerrilla warfare
1) Initial British setbacks:
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

NEXT
However, once British reinforcements arrived the tide turned. Britain
enjoyed overwhelming superiority in resources and manpower.
The sieges of Ladysmith and Mafeking were broken and the Boer Army
was defeated in battle.
The war became popular at this point. 1900 crushing election victory for
the Conservatives

NEXT
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.

NEXT
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!!!

NEXT- Political Impact Of War

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.

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.