The War in South Africa, Its Cause and Conduct

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24951

Title

The War in South Africa, Its Cause and Conduct

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This book is a historical account of the Second Boer War in South Africa, written by Arthur Conan Doyle. It provides an overview of the causes and conduct of the war, including the negotiations for peace and the terms offered to the Boers.

Summary up to 500 words

The War in South Africa: Its Cause and Conduct is a book written by Arthur Conan Doyle that provides an account of the Second Boer War. The book begins with an introduction to the history of South Africa, explaining how the Dutch settlers, known as Afrikaners or Boers, established themselves in the region. The author then describes the events leading up to the war, including the discovery of gold in the Transvaal and the subsequent influx of British immigrants. The book examines the negotiations for peace, including the terms offered to the Boers by Lord Kitchener and the refusal of President Kruger to accept them. Throughout the book, Doyle argues that the British government has done its best to avoid war and wage it with humanity. The author also discusses the unofficial attempts at peace, where a considerable body of the Boers were disposed to accept the British flag and settle down in peace. However, these efforts were met with resistance from some of the leaders, who continued to fight for independence. The book concludes by suggesting that the war has seemed long to those who have endured it, but to their descendants, it will probably seem a very short time for the conquest of so huge a country and so stubborn a foe. The author proposes forming a Boer Reservation in the northern districts of the Transvaal as a way to provide a safe haven for the Boers and to prevent future conflicts. The book also touches on the attitude of continental nations during the struggle, noting that while some governments were correct in their stance, many people were carried away by prejudice and lies spread by the press. Overall, the book provides a detailed account of the Second Boer War and its causes, as well as the efforts made towards peace and reconciliation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Politics