Causes of the Boer War

What were the attitudes towards the British Empire, and the expansion into Southern Africa?

• Politicians were eager to expand and control as much of the world as possible
• The public were sceptical of politicians ambitious views of expansion, for example Chamberlain expected the war to be over by Christmas. 
• Lord Salisbury clearly saw the need to 'show the Boers who was boss'

How much of the Earth's land surface did the British control in the late 19th century?

1/4

What was London's status in the world in terms of financial affairs?

It was seen as the world's financial capital

What percentage of the world's merchant ships were British?

50%

Which century did…