boer war essays

boer war essays Comment on the "Imperial ideal" in the context of Britain at the end of the nineteenth century. 1.Britain was by the end of the nineteenth century a major power, which also included countries such as France, Russia etc. Britain had the largest empire in the world and her economy had the biggest output. Her navy was exceptionally large and advanced compared with other states. She was dominant in wars such as the Crimean War and was seen as a role model that other countries looked up to. The attitude of the British public was that of superiority and believed their culture should be spread across the world. They believed that they were the first race in the world, and that the more of the world they inhabited the better it was for the human race. They felt they had the right to intervene ie Britain tried to take control of south Africa from the Boers as they not only wanted to spread their empire through Africa but it was a stopping point for ships travelling to India for trade. 2)Explain why Britain's experience of the Boer War led to her coming out of splendid isolation between 1899 and 1904 Splendid isolation is closely associated with Lord Salisbury who felt that Britain should keep out of foreign policies and keep to themselves. He felt that Britain should make no alliances or close relationships with any particular country. This created a reputation held by other states as Britain being very arrogant. This period of isolation was between 1895 and 1902. It can be argued that the Boer War was a cause of splendid isolation ending. The reason Britain went to war with the Boers was not only to do with control over the natives but the discovery of gold. Britains declaration of war was seen by the British public as a means of protecting their vital economic interests and stamping british authority in the region. ...