Faculty of Humanities
School of Basic Social Sciences
Department of Historical and Heritage Studies
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Prof Fransjohan Pretorius, a renowned Anglo-Boer War expert, undertook a research project at the request of the American publisher, Scarecrow Press, on the Anglo-Boer War. His research culminated in the publication of a book entitled Historical dictionary of the Anglo-Boer War. The devastating war that raged on the South African veldt between 1899 and 1902 – the first of the 20th century wars – was small in comparison with the world wars. Yet, it revealed many military, political and social issues. The conflict between the British Empire and the Boer settlers was in many ways a precursor to what was to come. It saw vast changes in the organisation, tactics and weapons used by the British army. It had far-reaching effects on the white political structure in the country and stimulated Afrikaner nationalism, which, in its aggressive form half a century later, led to the introduction of apartheid. This dictionary presents the history of this war, which is also known as the South African War, the Boer War and the Transvaal War. Topics include the involvement of black people in the war, the concentration camps, rebels, great personalities, volunteers or repatriation and compensation after the war
Contact person: Prof F Pretorius.
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