Second Boer War (1899-1902)

## Participants

* Boer Republics
	+ Transvaal Republic
	+ Orange Free State

* United Kingdom

## Commanders and Leaders

* Paul Kruger
* Koos de la Rey
* Louis Botha

...

* Robert Gascoyne-Cecil
* Joseph Chamberlain
* Alfred Milner

....

## Strength

* Boer Commandos: 47,000
* African auxiliaries: 10,000
* Foreign volunteers: 7,200+

* British: 347,000
* Colonial: 103,000–153,000
* African auxiliaries: 100,000

## Casualties and Losses

TBD

TBD

## Introduction

The Second Boer War was a conflict fought between the British Empire and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The war lasted from 1899 to 1902 and was the result of tensions between the British Empire and the Boer republics over control of mineral-rich territories and disputes over political power. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, sought to maintain their independence and cultural identity.

## Foreign Support

Norway's people sympathized with the Boers and their struggle against oppression and the loss of culture. Norway had once before been under the rule of both Sweden and Denmark, so the suppression of national identity resonated with the people. As a result, Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk provided the Boers with a Krag rifle chambered in 7×57mm Mauser, known as the M/1894 "Boergevær". This showed that the Krag Jørgensen was not as bad as Mauser had led people to believe. Norway also provided volunteers and military observers, which gave the Norwegian Army valuable experience in guerrilla warfare and sieging of cities.

The Netherlands also provided support to the Boers, including volunteers, ammunition, and equipment. Some firearms were also sent to aid the Boers in their fight against the British Empire.

## Combat in the Second Boer War

The Second Boer War was fought between the British Empire and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State from 1899 to 1902. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, employed guerrilla tactics in their fight for control of mineral-rich territories and political power.

The Boers launched surprise attacks on British military posts, which escalated into full-scale war with both sides utilizing conventional tactics. The British attempted to cut off the Boers' food and supplies through a scorched-earth policy, causing widespread suffering and displacement among the Boer population.

Despite the odds, the Boers held their own, with the help of support from Norway and the Netherlands. The Boers ultimately emerged victorious, forcing the British to recognize their independence.

The combat in the Second Boer War demonstrated the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics and the impact of foreign support. The Boers' victory solidified their position as a dominant military force in southern Africa.

## Outcome

The outcome of the Second Boer War was that the British were forced to recognize the independence of the Boer republics, leading to the preservation of Boer cultural and political identity. The Boer victory had significant diplomatic, economic, and political implications for the region. The Boers gained more control over their own resources and trade relationships, which impacted the economic development of the republics.

Despite the victory, racial relations in the Boer republics continued to be a source of tension, with a policy of segregation and discrimination against the black population remaining in place. The strength of the Boer military, demonstrated by their victory, made them a force to be reckoned with in southern Africa.

The Second Boer War had far-reaching consequences for the region, and the outcome was shaped by the complex political, social, and economic forces of the time. The Boers emerged victorious with the support of Norway and the Netherlands, leading to a different outcome with significant implications for the region and the world.

## Norway's Benefits

Due to Norway's assistance in the war, new diplomatic relations were opened between Norway and the Boer republics. The Boers held a strong appreciation for the Norwegian people, which led to benefits for Norway. These benefits included:

* New trade with the Boers: Vital trade was established between Norway, the Netherlands, and the Boers. This strengthened the Norwegian economy and helped maintain the relations with the republics. Diamonds, gold, and other exotic minerals were now open to the Norwegian market. Nordiske Mineralverke AS opened a subsidiary in Bloemfontein, further solidifying the trade relationship.
* Docking rights: Norwegian whalers now had a safe port to dock when whaling in the area, making their operations more efficient and secure.
* Relations with the United Kingdom: Despite supporting the Boers in their war against the British Empire, the relationship between the Norwegian Kingdom and the United Kingdom was not strained. This was because Norway did not provide any troops or military training, and as a result, was not seen as a major threat by the United Kingdom.
* Improved Interest in Krag Jørgensen The Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk also gained improved international interest in the Krag Jørgensen rifle, as a result of their provision of the M/1894 "Boergevær" chambered in 7×57mm Mauser during the war. This demonstrated to the world that the Krag Jørgensen was not as inferior as Mauser had led people to believe.

The Second Boer War remains a significant event in history, and its outcome had lasting effects on the region and the world. The support provided