Cecil Rhodes and the Boer War
I can recall that the British government along with individuals like Cecil Rhodes took control of southern Africa after the Boer Wars.
Cecil Rhodes and the Boer War
I can recall that the British government along with individuals like Cecil Rhodes took control of southern Africa after the Boer Wars.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cecil Rhodes made a fortune from gold and diamond mines in South Africa and gained political power there.
- Between 1860-1890 Britain invaded the Boer states in southern Africa due to the discovery of gold and diamonds.
- A peace settlement was reached in 1902 after Britain's use of a scorched earth policy and concentration camps.
- In 1910 the Cape Colony, Natal and Boer states merged to form South Africa, extending British control over Africa.
- The British government introduced social reforms in Britain due to the poor health of the troops that fought.
Keywords
Cape Colony - British colony in southern Africa
Boer - a member of the Dutch population which settled in southern Africa in the late 17th century
Scorched earth - the strategy of destroying crops and other resources to prevent their falling into enemy hands
Concentration camps - a camp for detaining prisoners, usually political prisoners
Social Darwinism - the theory that the concept of natural selection applies to human societies and race
Common misconception
Cecil Rhodes was Prime Minister of South Africa.
Cecil Rhodes was Prime Minister of the Cape Colony - the British colony in the region of southern Africa.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Cecil Rhodes and the Boer War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Cecil Rhodes and the Boer War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Migration: how did Britain expand its control over India and Africa? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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