Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 - 3 The second Boer War,…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 - 3 The second Boer War, 1899–1902: Facing the Boers in southern Africa: the nature of British army; the significance of the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith and the impact of Black Week.
This topic examines the British army's encounter with the Boers in southern Africa, focusing on the army's nature, the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith, and the impact of Black Week.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This topic examines the British army's encounter with the Boers in southern Africa, focusing on the army's nature, the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith, and the impact of Black Week. The British army initially faced conventional warfare, including sieges and pitched battles, but suffered from outdated tactics, poor leadership and disease against highly mobile Boer forces. The sieges became symbols of resistance; Mafeking's relief sparked national celebration, while Kimberley and Ladysmith highlighted severe logistical challenges. Black Week, a series of defeats in December 1899, shocked the British public and prompted major reinforcements and a shift in strategy, before the war later transitioned into a guerrilla phase.
What earns the marks
- Describes the nature of the British army in 1899, including its strengths such as discipline and numbers, and weaknesses such as outdated tactics and inadequate equipment.
- Explains the significance of the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith, including their strategic importance, the conditions endured and their impact on British morale.
- Analyses the impact of Black Week, including the defeats at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso, and how they shattered confidence and led to the appointment of Lord Roberts.
- Evaluates how these events collectively influenced British military strategy and public opinion, leading to reforms and a more ruthless approach.
- Uses specific examples, such as the relief of Mafeking in May 1900 or the casualties at Magersfontein, to support arguments about the army's effectiveness and the war's turning points.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the initial phase of the Boer War was characterised by guerrilla warfare.
Put it right: Recognise that the Boers initially conducted conventional sieges and battles; guerrilla operations emerged later in the conflict.
Treating the sieges as isolated events.
Put it right: Link them to broader themes of public morale, imperial defence and the strain on resources.
Overstating the immediate impact of Black Week.
Put it right: Show how it was a catalyst for change, but also consider longer-term factors in the war's outcome.
Exam tips
- When discussing the sieges, distinguish between their military significance and their propaganda value, using examples like Baden-Powell at Mafeking.
- For Black Week, name the specific battles and explain their consequences, such as the shift to a war of attrition.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 - 3 The second Boer War, 1899–1902: Facing the Boers in southern Africa: the nature of British army; the significance of the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith and the impact of Black Week. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which three towns were besieged by Boer forces in the opening months of the second Boer War?
Listen
This topic examines the British army's encounter with the Boers in southern Africa, focusing on the army's nature, the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith, and the impact of Black Week. The British army initially faced conventional warfare, including sieges and pitched battles, but suffered from outdated tactics, poor leadership and disease against highly mobile Boer forces. The sieges became symbols of resistance; Mafeking's relief sparked national celebration, while Kimberley and Ladysmith highlighted severe logistical challenges. Black Week, a series of defeats in December 1899, shocked the British public and prompted major reinforcements and a shift in strategy, before the war later transitioned into a guerrilla phase. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Describes the nature of the British army in 1899, including its strengths such as discipline and numbers, and weaknesses such as outdated tactics and inadequate equipment. Explains the significance of the sieges of Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith, including their strategic importance, the conditions endured and their impact on British morale. Analyses the impact of Black Week, including the defeats at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso, and how they shattered confidence and led to the appointment of Lord Roberts. Evaluates how these events collectively influenced British military strategy and public opinion, leading to reforms and a more ruthless approach. A common slip: Assuming the initial phase of the Boer War was characterised by guerrilla warfare. Instead, Recognise that the Boers initially conducted conventional sieges and battles; guerrilla operations emerged later in the conflict. Exam tip: When discussing the sieges, distinguish between their military significance and their propaganda value, using examples like Baden-Powell at Mafeking.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
sieges
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Black Week
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guerrilla phase
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Boers
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See every definition
- sieges
- Events that became symbols of resistance, with Mafeking's relief sparking national celebration while Kimberley and Ladysmith highlighted severe logistical challenges.
- Black Week
- A series of defeats in December 1899 that shocked the British public and prompted major reinforcements and a shift in strategy.
- guerrilla phase
- The later stage of the conflict into which the war transitioned after the initial conventional warfare of sieges and pitched battles.
- Boers
- Highly mobile forces in southern Africa against whom the British army suffered from outdated tactics, poor leadership and disease.
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