Boer Wars

The war between the British and the Boers of the Transvaal, South Africa, in 1880-81, was occasioned by the proclamation of the Transvaal as a republic. The most notable event of the war was the defeat of the British at Majuba Hill in 1881. Peace was made shortly afterwards, and Britain recognised the independence of the Transvaal.

The second Boer War between Britain on the one side and the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State on the other lasted from 1899 to 1902. The British at first suffered reverses, and British troops were besieged at Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking. All three towns were ultimately relieved. Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal was occupied by British troops under Lord Roberts on 5 June 1900. The Peace of Vereeniging was signed on 31 May 1902. The conquered countries were given self-government, and in 1909 were included in the Union of South Africa by the Act of Union of that year.

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