White Ideologies and Non-European Participation in the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902

Abstract

One may read many histories of the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902 without recognizing that non-Europeans (European is a South African euphemism for people) helped end a war that attracted considerable attention throughout the world. Undue emphasis has been placed upon the conception that the Anglo-Boer War was a white man's war. Even Leonard M. Thompson, one of the most respected authorities on South African history, has insisted, Bitterly though the war was fought, it was a man's war. Thompson explains that neither side had the slightest intention of doing anything to weaken control over the African population (Wilson and Thompson, 1971: 326). This reflects the establishment philosophy of both the British and the Boers. They were careful not to stir indignation or arouse passionate resentment against whites by inviting non-Europeans into their quarrel. Contrary to popular opinion, however, there was extensive use of nonEuropeans in both support and active combat roles in the Anglo-Boer War.