Over 100 period photos, and an absorbing account by an expert on the British colonial wars, narrate the struggles that led to the creation of South Africa. When the Boer settlers left Cape Colony to conquer new territories, they did not expect to have to fight the British for their independence. The discovery of gold and diamonds in the Transvaal, however, changed everything. Almost no one thought these \"farmers\" could oppose a modern European army. But they did, and their initial victory ushered in an uneasy peace for the next decade. When war broke out again, the Boers had considerable international support--including from the German Kaiser. Before the battle was won, the conflict saw the first use of armored trains...and the first concentration camps.\n Over 100 period photos, and an absorbing account by an expert on the British colonial wars, narrate the struggles that led to the creation of South Africa. When the Boer settlers left Cape Colony to conquer new territories, they did not expect to have to fight the British for their independence. The discovery of gold and diamonds in the Transvaal, however, changed everything. Almost no one thought these \"farmers\" could oppose a modern European army. But they did, and their initial victory ushered in an uneasy peace for the next decade. When war broke out again, the Boers had considerable international support--including from the German Kaiser. Before the battle was won, the conflict saw the first use of armored trains...and the first concentration camps.