Roberts' Kitchener in South Africa: 1900-1902

The Second Boer War (1899-1902) was a conflict between the British Empire and the independent Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republic. The war began after the failure of negotiations between the British and the Boers over the issue of granting the franchise to British immigrants in the Boer republics.

Roberts & Kitchener in South Africa, 1900–1902

by Rodney Atwood

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The British initially underestimated the strength of the Boer forces, and suffered a number of early defeats. However, the British eventually prevailed, thanks in part to the leadership of Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener.

Roberts and Kitchener

Lord Roberts was a British field marshal who had served in a number of campaigns, including the Indian Mutiny and the Zulu War. He was appointed commander-in-chief of the British forces in South Africa in 1899.

Lord Kitchener was a British general who had served in a number of campaigns, including the Sudan Campaign and the Boer War. He was appointed chief of staff to Lord Roberts in 1900.

Roberts and Kitchener were both experienced and capable military leaders. They were also both ruthless and determined to win the war at all costs.

The British Strategy

The British strategy in the Second Boer War was to use their superior numbers and resources to overwhelm the Boer forces. The British also adopted a policy of scorched earth, burning Boer farms and destroying their crops and livestock. This policy was designed to deprive the Boers of the resources they needed to continue fighting.

The Boer Strategy

The Boer strategy was to use their knowledge of the terrain and their mobility to their advantage. The Boers were also skilled in guerrilla warfare, and they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the British forces.

The War

The Second Boer War was a bloody and protracted conflict. The British eventually prevailed, but at a cost of over 5,000 lives. The Boers suffered even greater losses, with over 7,000 killed and over 20,000 imprisoned in concentration camps.

The Aftermath

The Second Boer War ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902. The treaty gave the British control of the Boer republics, but it also granted the Boers self-government.

The war had a profound impact on South Africa. It led to the unification of the country under British rule, and it also created a deep divide between the English-speaking and Afrikaans-speaking communities.

Legacy

Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener are both remembered as great military leaders. However, their legacy is also tainted by the use of scorched earth tactics and the establishment of concentration camps.

The Second Boer War was a tragedy for both the British and the Boers. It was a war that was fought for a variety of reasons, but in the end, it was a war that no one won.

Roberts & Kitchener in South Africa, 1900–1902

by Rodney Atwood

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11921 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	488 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE