This module focuses on what Eric Hobsbawm called the greatest imperial war of the `Age of Empire` (1875-1914): the Boer (or South African) War of 1899-1902. It explores the manifold causes of this war – whether economic, political or geo-strategic – and provides an in-depth look at the relevant salient tensions of this time, whether those between British imperialism and Boer nationalism, Britain and rival powers or between the Boer republics and the forces associated with the development of mining capitalism in South Africa.
While the module gives due attention to the military aspects of this war, it emphasises its massive impact on society in South Africa and in Britain. Thus, we explore the war`s impact on the racial and class order of Boer-dominated society in South Africa, its catastrophic effects on Boer civilians, and the opportunities it gave to black communities to redress grievances.
We also use the war to illuminate the social and political order in Britain through such phenomena as the exposure of poverty through the recruitment process, the outpouring of patriotism at key moments, the so-called 1khaki election1 of 1900, and the anti-war movement. International responses to the war will also be dealt with.
- Module Supervisor: Jeremy Krikler