Question

What caused the Boer Wars?

Answer 1

The causes of the Boer War (also known as the ‘Second Boer War’ and ‘Anglo Boer War’) are complicated and often disputed but, ultimately, boil down to time-honoured disputes over sovereignty and control over highly lucrative natural resources (in this case gold).

The Second Anglo-Boer war broke out in 1899 as a result of the British Governments determination to be the dominant power in southern Africa. It almost brought the British Empire to its knees. HomeKey QuestionsTurning PointsConflict Empire MakersReference SectionTalksAbout Me 1815-1914.

Boer War begins in South Africa. The South African Boer War begins between the British Empire and the Boers of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. The Boers, also known as Afrikaners, were the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of southern Africa. Britain took possession of the Dutch Cape colony in 1806 during the Napoleonic wars.

Answer 2

The war began on October 11 1899, following a Boer ultimatum that the British should cease building up their forces in the region. The Boers had refused to grant political rights to non-Boer settlers, known as Uitlanders, most of whom were British, or to grant civil rights to Africans.

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