Merriman vigorously supported Molteno in rejecting Lord Carnarvon's ill-considered attempt to enforce a system of British confederation on southern Africa. The British Colonial Office eventually overthrew the elected Cape Government in 1878, and forced the Fengu-Gcaleka, Anglo-Zulu and First Boer War, before the Confederation scheme finally failed as predicted. Merriman's shock at the actions of the British Colonial Office developed into a lasting distaste for British imperialism.