Unit 1 - Event

The Boer War

The Boer War was a War in South Africa between the two independent Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic(Transvaal Republic), and the British Empire from 1899 to 1902. After a hard-fought war the two independent republics were absorbed by the British Empire. The British wanted to take over the two independent republics and take the mine that the Boers were using to find gold.

The Boer War further increased the British Empire and took over the Boers mines. The war cost 75,000 lives - 22,000 British soldiers, 6,000 - 7,000 Boer soldiers, 20,000 - 28,000 Boer civilians and perhaps 20,000 Black Africans. The Boer was also the first time that Victoria Crosses - the most prestigious award in the British armed forces - were awarded to British soldiers.

The Boer War was the bginning of the downfall of the British Empire. The Boers fighting for freedom got sympathy from a lot of other countries such as the Irish. The Public was revolted by the bad conditions of the concentration camps and were disgusted with British actions after the war.