Managing the South African War, 1899-1902: Politicians v Generals (Royal Historical Society Studies in History New Series) [Hardcover]

Keith Terrance Surridge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0861932382 | ISBN-13: 978-0861932382

Of all the wars fought by Britain between 1815 and 1914, the South African War (1899-1902) was the most extensive and costly. A few thousand Boer farmers defied the British army for nearly three years and were only defeated following the devastation of much of South Africa. Consequently, the war shattered many illusions about the effectiveness of British imperial power. This book is the first comprehensive survey of the disputes which arose between the British government and Sir Alfred Milner, the High Commissioner for South Africa, and three of the era's most famous soldiers, Lords Wolseley, Roberts, and Kitchener, which centred on whether the politicians or generals should control the strategic management of the war; it argues that the army eventually gained control of the war, with Kitchener in particular determining both its strategy and its settlement.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A most important and original contribution to the history of the South African war. --Albion

A valuable addition to the literature on the Boer War and the scholarship on British civil-military relations. --English Historical Review

About the Author

KEITH TERRANCE SURRIDGE teaches at the University of Notre Dame, London Programme.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: Royal Historical Society (November 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861932382
• ISBN-13: 978-0861932382
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,036,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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