Justifying the South African War: Boer Propaganda, 1899–1902

Abstract

As part of a broader study of the importance of propaganda in war,1 British propaganda in the South African War of 1899–1902 has received close attention from scholars.2 Similarly, some excellent work has been undertaken on Boer propaganda in Europe, the United States of America and Great Britain during the South African War.3 There has also been investigation into Boer collaboration with the British regarding efforts to persuade the burghers still on commando to lay down their arms.4 In the South African War, a commando was a Boer fighting unit, more or less the equivalent of a British regiment, and ‘on commando’ meant ‘in the field’.