Die traumatiese nalatenskap van die Anglo-Boereoorlog se konsentrasiekampe

Abstract

The Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902 is the most extensive war that has thus far been fought in South
Africa. The stroggle had characteristics of a civil war and a total war, and the consequences of the war
were felt throughout the twentieth century. In this regard the British scorched-earth policy and
concentratton camp system are of particular importance. It is the purpose of this article to give a critical
evaluation of the traumatic consequences that the Anglo-Boer War had for the Afrikaners in particular,
as well as for the other inhabitants of South Africa. After the war, many Afrikaners endeavoured to
regain their republican independence, but for several decades they were unsuccessfal The rebellion of
1914 to 1915 led to more bitterness and trauma. Jn due course the Afrikaner's fear of British imperial
domination was replaced by the fear of domination by black people. After 194.8, when the National
Party with its poUcy of apartheid came to power, those who were traumatised during the Anglo-Boer
War became the new traumatisers, setting in motion a chain of events that eventually led to much
violence in the country.