Pamela G
Student No: 6
Module code: HSY2603
SEPT/NOV
Take Home Examination
, Essay Topic
„The South African War of 1899–1902 cannot be regarded as a “white man‟s
war”‟. Do you agree with this statement? Discuss this statement critically.
The South African war, or the previously known: „Second Anglo- Boer war‟,
symbolized the peak of imperial tensions of the late 19th century. While this war was
primarily a result of conflict between the British and Boer people, it most definitely
cannot be perceived as a war solely between white men. In this essay we shall
critically discuss the numerous reasons as to why I agree that the South African war
cannot be regarded as a “white man‟s war” only and how the different racial groups
and women participated.
As stated in the study guide for HSY2603: „it was never going to be a war fought only
by white people. It was inevitable that people from all race groups would be drawn
in”1.
While it is important to note that the war began due to the increasing economic and
political differences, which were mostly found among white men that came from
different upbringings as a way to determine which white political party was strong
enough to dominate the area of Southern Africa. It is equally important to note that
the war was fought in an area that was largely populated by black civilians, who
participated in these conflicts as support for either the British or Boer‟s.
As the war progressed, the number of people and community groups affected
increased. People from rural areas found themselves in the middle of the dispute as
the war moved towards the land that they lived on. Black people participated in the
war on either sides of the battle as soldiers, medical reinforcements, transport
workers, guards or spies, etc. Due to a popular notion that black people should not
have access to fire weapons, they often found themselves participating in non-
combatant duties.
There is an estimation that about 100 000 black, coloured and Indian people were
employed by the British army2 , and approximately 10 000 of them were given
access to weaponry devices. Indians who were under Mohandas Gandhi were also
employed as medical reinforcements for the British army.
1
Study Guide for HSY2603, pg 302
2
Study Guide for HSY2603, pg 303
Student No: 6
Module code: HSY2603
SEPT/NOV
Take Home Examination
, Essay Topic
„The South African War of 1899–1902 cannot be regarded as a “white man‟s
war”‟. Do you agree with this statement? Discuss this statement critically.
The South African war, or the previously known: „Second Anglo- Boer war‟,
symbolized the peak of imperial tensions of the late 19th century. While this war was
primarily a result of conflict between the British and Boer people, it most definitely
cannot be perceived as a war solely between white men. In this essay we shall
critically discuss the numerous reasons as to why I agree that the South African war
cannot be regarded as a “white man‟s war” only and how the different racial groups
and women participated.
As stated in the study guide for HSY2603: „it was never going to be a war fought only
by white people. It was inevitable that people from all race groups would be drawn
in”1.
While it is important to note that the war began due to the increasing economic and
political differences, which were mostly found among white men that came from
different upbringings as a way to determine which white political party was strong
enough to dominate the area of Southern Africa. It is equally important to note that
the war was fought in an area that was largely populated by black civilians, who
participated in these conflicts as support for either the British or Boer‟s.
As the war progressed, the number of people and community groups affected
increased. People from rural areas found themselves in the middle of the dispute as
the war moved towards the land that they lived on. Black people participated in the
war on either sides of the battle as soldiers, medical reinforcements, transport
workers, guards or spies, etc. Due to a popular notion that black people should not
have access to fire weapons, they often found themselves participating in non-
combatant duties.
There is an estimation that about 100 000 black, coloured and Indian people were
employed by the British army2 , and approximately 10 000 of them were given
access to weaponry devices. Indians who were under Mohandas Gandhi were also
employed as medical reinforcements for the British army.
1
Study Guide for HSY2603, pg 302
2
Study Guide for HSY2603, pg 303
