Britain And The Anglo-boer War (1899-1902)

The Anglo-Boer War from 1899 to 1902 is the war fighting for the control of territory and resources of South Africa between Englishmen and Boers. This thesis attempts to start with the background of Britain at home and abroad, analyze British foreign policy before and during the Anglo-Boer War, and investigate the impacts of the war on Britain.The full text consists of four chapters:Chapter One starts with the background of the Anglo-Boer War which is domestic and international environment Britain lying, and discusses the reasons for Britain into the war. The Anglo-Boer War broke out at the turn of the 19th and 20th Century when Britain was suffering from the changes from prosperity to decadence with the strength relatively decline. It was the time that the two big groups have been formed in Europe. Britain entered into the war not only for the strategic consideration but out of the influences from politics and economy. The interference from Germany and the development of nationalism in South Africa quickened the pace of the outbreak of the war.Chapter Two analyzes primarily the clashes between Britain and Boers, and the situations and corresponding plans faced by Britain. Based on the long lasted conflicts between the mentioned parties, the discovery of diamond and gold in South African in late 19th century sharpened the conflicts of the two parties. Jameson Raid occurred in 1895 made the grievances accumulated by years exploded like volcano. The two parties were hereafter aware of the war unavoidable and started to prepare for the war. The war was triggered at any moment since the failure of Bloemfontein Conference from May to June in 1899 tensioned the situation to a large extent.Chapter Three describes the full-blown of the war between Britain and Boers, and the diplomacy of Britain during the war. The war was triggered by the incompatible conflicts of the two parties. Meanwhile, the diplomatic activities of each state were more active than ever before which never stopped the intervention to the war due to the occupied colonies by Britain on which the others always coveted. Almost all other states acquired certain new benefit, just more or less, from British predicament. After replacing Salisbury as Foreign Secretary, Lansdowne gradually started the diplomatic policy allying with other states for the reasons of reversing the military and diplomatic dilemma of Britain.Chapter Four basically states the end of the war and its impact on Britain. The war finally terminated after Britain paid a high price. British weaknesses were exposed by the war which brought significant impacts on Britain in future. For the postwar years, the government proceeded adjustment and reform to the security of colonies, domestic affaires, the ability of imperial defense and diplomacy etc. which promoted the developments of British society.