Boer Wars - First Anglo-Boer War

First Anglo-Boer War

The First Anglo-Boer War (1880–1881), was a rebellion of Boers (farmers) against British rule in the Transvaal that re-established their independence. The conflict occurred against the backdrop of the Pretoria government becoming increasingly ineffective at dealing with growing claims on South African land from rival interests within the country.

1. The war was between the Transvaal Boers and the British.
2. When the British annexed Transvaal in 1877 this greatly annoyed the Boers.
3. In 1877, the Pedi attacked the Boers of Transvaal, and Boers claimed the British had not adequately assisted them.
4. The Transvaal population included many who were in debt to Cape bankers, perhaps adding to negative British perception of the Boers.
5. The British wished to bring Transvaal by force into a union, which furthered chances of war.
6. The British defeat by Zulus in 1879 at the Battle of Isandlwana had encouraged Boers to armed resistance.