The Boer War, general notes

THE BOER WAR!!

1899
August: British sends in 10,000 reinforcements
October: Boers declare war
December: 3 sieges begin at Ladysmith, Mafeking and Kimberly
10-15th December: `Black Week' ­ three British defeats at Stormberg,
Magersfontein and Tugela River
1900
24th January: British army under General Redvers Buller are defeated at Spion…

Glorification and propaganda

The use of the imperialist message brought together a `dominant ideology of:

Militarism ­ use of soldiers

Monarchism ­ loyalty to the crown

Social Darwinism ­ evolution within human life and nations, stronger nations would prevail
over the weaker ones in the fight for existence

Imperial success…

Political divisions




Popular support for the war

Initially the war seemed enormously popular, with the public assuming that victory would come easily
to the British. However, as the war continued with a series of defeats and the Boers would not
surrender, taxes were put up to pay for it.

This…

The views of the press partly reflected the views of the owners but in the case of the Daily
Chronicle it was the readers opinion as the editor (pro Boer) was sacked
In general it appears that the press were as much reflecting public opinion as creating it

Volunteers ­…

Yet while there were calls for national efficiency and social reform due to impact of Boer War, there
was no noticeable reduction in support for Britain's imperial role.

Boer war and attitudes to the empire

Opponents

It had given impetus to left wing calls for wider reform.

Socialists believed in…