Immediate Consequences of the War
After three years of war the Boers signed a treaty to formally surrender to the British. The treaty is called the Treaty of Vereeniging. In January of 1902 the Queen of the Netherlands offered to mediate the issues and come up with a peace treaty. The British Government refused but other peace treaty options became available. The new Treaty was negotiated in April. The Boers asked for less rights than what they and Paul Kruger asked for at the beginning of the war. They wanted voting rights for the Uitlander's and equality of English and Afrikaans languages. The British still thought they would have too much independence and continued to negotiate. The British offered these terms: That 'rebels' lose voting rights for life, that all opposition to King Edward VII would stop, and the Afrikaans language be taught in schools and the British gave the Boers 3,000,000 pounds to rebuild. All of this came with the loss of the Boers national independence, they would become a part of the British Empire, these were the official terms of peace outlined in the Treaty and agreed on by 30 representatives from each side.
Immediately after the war over 39,000 Boers returned to the Transvaal and the mines re-opened. Now that they were part of Britain, they could be financially independent, and work for their own income. During the war the gold-mines were only producing %2.8 of worldwide gold exports, down from %21 in the years leading up to the war. The mines that had been closed during the war could now be re-opened, the economy started improving rapidly. By 1925 the Transvaal was producing %50.4 of the world's gold and it was worth about 80 million pounds.
The international popularity surrounding the war declined rapidly around 1900, countries like Germany, France and Australia were angry at the British for their use of extreme violence. The use of Concentration Camps to house and control the Boer women and children severely damaged Britain's reputation. Many Boers could not return to their homes as land, livestock and business had been destroyed.
The Transvaal area eventually became a limited self-government, but were still mainly controlled by the British. The Transvaal and Orange Free State became self-ruled in 1907. In 1910 the Union of South Africa was established as a member of the Commonwealth. However the Boers did not become independent from Britain until 1961.
The British and Boers negotiated a peace treaty to end the war. Immediately Boers tried to return to work but many were unable as their property had been destroyed. The gold-mines re-opened and the country's economic wealth increased as a result; mines were independently owned by both Boer and British companies.
Britain's reputation suffered as a result of the Boer War, leading to degrading relationships with previously allied countries. France in particular became anti-british, they formed an alliance with Japan in 1902.
Immediately after the war over 39,000 Boers returned to the Transvaal and the mines re-opened. Now that they were part of Britain, they could be financially independent, and work for their own income. During the war the gold-mines were only producing %2.8 of worldwide gold exports, down from %21 in the years leading up to the war. The mines that had been closed during the war could now be re-opened, the economy started improving rapidly. By 1925 the Transvaal was producing %50.4 of the world's gold and it was worth about 80 million pounds.
The international popularity surrounding the war declined rapidly around 1900, countries like Germany, France and Australia were angry at the British for their use of extreme violence. The use of Concentration Camps to house and control the Boer women and children severely damaged Britain's reputation. Many Boers could not return to their homes as land, livestock and business had been destroyed.
The Transvaal area eventually became a limited self-government, but were still mainly controlled by the British. The Transvaal and Orange Free State became self-ruled in 1907. In 1910 the Union of South Africa was established as a member of the Commonwealth. However the Boers did not become independent from Britain until 1961.
The British and Boers negotiated a peace treaty to end the war. Immediately Boers tried to return to work but many were unable as their property had been destroyed. The gold-mines re-opened and the country's economic wealth increased as a result; mines were independently owned by both Boer and British companies.
Britain's reputation suffered as a result of the Boer War, leading to degrading relationships with previously allied countries. France in particular became anti-british, they formed an alliance with Japan in 1902.
Involvement of New Zealand Troops
New Zealand sent nearly 6,5000 volunteer soldiers to South Africa. They were sent to South Africa in 10 contingents along with 8,000 horses, doctors, nurses, veterinary surgeons and school teachers. Men from all over New Zealand volunteered to go to the war. They had to be a member of the New Zealand Permanent Forces and the part-time volunteer forces and meet health, age, and ability requirements.
In all 71 soldiers lost their lives in battle and 159 died of disease. Prime Minister Richard Seddon was a key organiser of the soldiers, he was known to be incredibly eager to help out Britain with the war.
He said in front of a crowd that New Zealanders ‘would fight for one flag, one Queen, one tongue, and for one country-Britain.’
Maori were not permitted to fight in the war although they were supportive and wanted to help. Richard Seddon proposed that at least 100 Maori should be included in the first Contingent but the proposal was refused by Joseph Chamberlain from the British Imperial Office. The British government believed that natives should not fight in a 'white-man's war.'
All the New Zealand soldiers deployed were volunteers, but as a part of the British Empire, New Zealanders were required by law to help with the war effort. On the 5th of April 1845 the British published in the newspaper, the Daily Southern Cross, a Militia Ordinance or a Public Regulation (shown above). It is a passed law that requires all men between 18 and 80 who are not native Maori to be involved in the military when the government asks. The Article says it is “the earliest example of conscription in New Zealand.” This shows that New Zealanders were legally required to participate in all British involved wars as part of being under British rule. Being a part of the British Colony was the main factor that linked New Zealanders to both the Boer War and later wars like WW1 and WW2. Conscription was not a huge part of the Boer War as more than enough New Zealanders volunteered before it became necessary. However in later wars when more soldiers were needed conscription became necessary. Conscription started when New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 by signing the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty of Waitangi also recognises Maori Independence. New Zealand being colonised by the British during the time of the Boer War, WW1, and WW2 means that New Zealanders lived under British rule. This means they had to recognise the British flag and help out with military.
In all 71 soldiers lost their lives in battle and 159 died of disease. Prime Minister Richard Seddon was a key organiser of the soldiers, he was known to be incredibly eager to help out Britain with the war.
He said in front of a crowd that New Zealanders ‘would fight for one flag, one Queen, one tongue, and for one country-Britain.’
Maori were not permitted to fight in the war although they were supportive and wanted to help. Richard Seddon proposed that at least 100 Maori should be included in the first Contingent but the proposal was refused by Joseph Chamberlain from the British Imperial Office. The British government believed that natives should not fight in a 'white-man's war.'
All the New Zealand soldiers deployed were volunteers, but as a part of the British Empire, New Zealanders were required by law to help with the war effort. On the 5th of April 1845 the British published in the newspaper, the Daily Southern Cross, a Militia Ordinance or a Public Regulation (shown above). It is a passed law that requires all men between 18 and 80 who are not native Maori to be involved in the military when the government asks. The Article says it is “the earliest example of conscription in New Zealand.” This shows that New Zealanders were legally required to participate in all British involved wars as part of being under British rule. Being a part of the British Colony was the main factor that linked New Zealanders to both the Boer War and later wars like WW1 and WW2. Conscription was not a huge part of the Boer War as more than enough New Zealanders volunteered before it became necessary. However in later wars when more soldiers were needed conscription became necessary. Conscription started when New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 by signing the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty of Waitangi also recognises Maori Independence. New Zealand being colonised by the British during the time of the Boer War, WW1, and WW2 means that New Zealanders lived under British rule. This means they had to recognise the British flag and help out with military.
Conscription also had an effect on New Zealand soldiers in World War 1. Because conscription was still in place, and New Zealand was still a part of the crown, New Zealander's were legally required to go to war. In total 135, 000 men were conscripted to go to WW1.
This poster from 1916 leads on from my source on enforced conscription in 1845. This is an underlying link between New Zealand involvement in all wars, conscription made it compulsory for some help to be given to the British. New Zealand soldiers would have been made to go to war whether they wanted to or not, thankfully they were enthusiastic for a number of reasons and forced conscription was not a huge part of any war in New Zealand.
This poster from 1916 leads on from my source on enforced conscription in 1845. This is an underlying link between New Zealand involvement in all wars, conscription made it compulsory for some help to be given to the British. New Zealand soldiers would have been made to go to war whether they wanted to or not, thankfully they were enthusiastic for a number of reasons and forced conscription was not a huge part of any war in New Zealand.
Conscription also had an effect on New Zealand soldiers in World War 2. This poster advertises the war in 1940. In total 310,000 men were conscripted for WW2.
New Zealand's involvement in later wars linked to the Boer War with the advertising efforts of the government and media to promote patriotism and loyalty to the Queen to New Zealand citizens. Some secondary sources fromhttp://www.teara.govt.nz/en/south-african-war/page-1
shows some reasons why New Zealanders were supportive of the war. It suggests the main reasons were loyalty to the Queen as many New Zealand settlers had migrated from Britain or were the children of migrants so had personal ties with the British. It also suggests that a reason was to promote New Zealand's international recognition. Before the Boer War, which was the first war New Zealand fought in an international country, very few people knew about New Zealand or its soldiers. New Zealand's effort in the Boer War increased recognition from international countries and this was a main reason why New Zealand was so supportive of soldiers being sent to WW1 and WW2.
New Zealand troops were involved as soldiers in the Boer War. They were volunteers but New Zealand's ties to Britain meant they were legally required to help out; men who refused conscription could be imprisoned and fined. Anti-conscription often led to acts of conscientious objection and pacifism.
New Zealand's involvement in later wars linked to the Boer War with the advertising efforts of the government and media to promote patriotism and loyalty to the Queen to New Zealand citizens. Some secondary sources fromhttp://www.teara.govt.nz/en/south-african-war/page-1
shows some reasons why New Zealanders were supportive of the war. It suggests the main reasons were loyalty to the Queen as many New Zealand settlers had migrated from Britain or were the children of migrants so had personal ties with the British. It also suggests that a reason was to promote New Zealand's international recognition. Before the Boer War, which was the first war New Zealand fought in an international country, very few people knew about New Zealand or its soldiers. New Zealand's effort in the Boer War increased recognition from international countries and this was a main reason why New Zealand was so supportive of soldiers being sent to WW1 and WW2.
New Zealand troops were involved as soldiers in the Boer War. They were volunteers but New Zealand's ties to Britain meant they were legally required to help out; men who refused conscription could be imprisoned and fined. Anti-conscription often led to acts of conscientious objection and pacifism.
Effect on New Zealand Society
The Boer War had many social and political effects on New Zealand society. First, the Boer War was the first overseas conflict that New Zealand participated in. This was likely to cause excitement throughout the country. The events of the war were well documented in newspapers and posters.
However the men were really very excited to go to war. The excitement was not just something made up by the media to involve the public and make them see the war in a good light. New Zealand troops were much more likely to participate voluntarily in future wars if the troops themselves and not just the county are willing to fight for the British.
This newspaper source shows the enthusiasm of the media and documents how patriotism was spread throughout the country. It reports that a letter arrived from Hon. J. Chamberlain, a British government official, thanking the New Zealand Contingent for their help in the war and their ‘patriotic enthusiasm’ which was recognised and appreciated by the government and military authorities. This source is useful as it shows the nature of the New Zealand soldiers and how willing they were to help out the British in the Boer war. New Zealand’s patriotic attitude to war was a main factor in them sending troops to later wars.
The New Zealanders were loyal to the British Empire. As a part of the British Empire New Zealand was required to help in some way with British wars, but it seems that New Zealand would have helped regardless of conscription. The more praise New Zealand received from the British the more likely they would be to want to help out in later wars.
New Zealanders were were loyalty to the Queen as many New Zealand settlers had migrated from Britain or were the children of migrants so had personal ties with the British. New Zealand was also looking to promote their international recognition as a country, the Boer War was NZ's first international war and before then very few people knew about New Zealand or its soldiers. New Zealand's effort in the Boer War increased recognition from international countries and this was a main reason why New Zealand was so supportive of soldiers being sent to WW1 and WW2.
The praise New Zealanders received from the British for their contribution to the war, created a sense of patriotism and excitement surrounding wars in general and this added to New Zealand's willingness to fight in WW1 and WW2.
The New Zealanders were loyal to the British Empire. As a part of the British Empire New Zealand was required to help in some way with British wars, but it seems that New Zealand would have helped regardless of conscription. The more praise New Zealand received from the British the more likely they would be to want to help out in later wars.
New Zealanders were were loyalty to the Queen as many New Zealand settlers had migrated from Britain or were the children of migrants so had personal ties with the British. New Zealand was also looking to promote their international recognition as a country, the Boer War was NZ's first international war and before then very few people knew about New Zealand or its soldiers. New Zealand's effort in the Boer War increased recognition from international countries and this was a main reason why New Zealand was so supportive of soldiers being sent to WW1 and WW2.
The praise New Zealanders received from the British for their contribution to the war, created a sense of patriotism and excitement surrounding wars in general and this added to New Zealand's willingness to fight in WW1 and WW2.
