South Africa and the Transvaal War Vol. VII

Louis Creswicke’s South Africa and the Transvaal War Vol. VII brings the detailed account of the Second Anglo-Boer War closer to its conclusion focusing on the final phase of the conflict in 1901–1902. By this stage the British had implemented a widespread network of blockhouses scorched-earth tactics and the controversial concentration camps to weaken Boer resistance. Despite these measures Boer commandos continued their guerrilla campaigns striking British supply lines and outposts with remarkable resilience. Creswicke examines the resourcefulness of Boer leaders such as Christiaan de Wet and Koos de la Rey who maintained resistance despite overwhelming odds.The volume also covers the increasing political and diplomatic pressure to end the war both in Britain and internationally. With public outcry growing over the humanitarian crisis in the concentration camps and the prolonged nature of the war negotiations between the British and the Boer leadership gained momentum. Creswicke provides a contemporary British perspective on these final developments setting the stage for the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902 which would officially end the war and bring the Boer republics under British rule. South Africa and the Transvaal War Vol. VII serves as a crucial account of the war’s final struggles and the lead-up to peace.