Boer Revolt

Quick Facts: Who was Boer Revolt?

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Boer Revolt

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A 1914 pro-German insurrection in South Africa, marking the Third Boer War.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Maritz rebellion, also known as the Third Boer War, or the Five Shilling rebellion, was an armed pro-German insurrection in South Africa in 1914, at the start of World War I. It was led by Boers who supported the re-establishment of the South African Republic in the Transvaal. Many members of the South African government were themselves Boers who had fought with the Maritz rebels against the British in the Second Boer War, which had ended twelve years earlier. The rebellion failed, with at least 124 out of 12,000 rebels killed in battle, another 300 dying during a retreat into the Kalahari Desert, and at least 229 wounded. The surviving ringleaders received heavy fines and prison terms. One of them, Jopie Fourie, was executed.

Career & Major Achievements

At the end of the Second Boer War twelve years earlier, all former Boer combatants had been asked to sign a pledge that they would abide by the peace terms. Some, like Deneys Reitz, refused and were exiled from South Africa. Over the following decade many returned home, and not all of them signed the pledge upon returning. At the end of the Second Boer War, those Boers who had fought to the end were known as Bittereinders. A German journalist who interviewed the former Boer general J. B. M. Hertzog for the Tägliche Rundschau wrote: Hertzog believes that the fruit of the three-year struggle by the Boers is that their freedom, in the form of a general South African Republic, will fall into their laps as soon as England is involved in a war with a Continental power.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Paraphrasing the Irish Nationalists' "England's misfortune is the bitter enders' opportunity," the "bitter enders" and their supporters saw the start of World War I as that opportunity, particularly since England's enemy, Germany, had been their old supporter. The outbreak of hostilities in Europe in August 1914 had long been anticipated, and the government of the Union of South Africa was well aware of the significance of the common border South Africa shared with the German colony of South-West Africa. Prime Minister Louis Botha informed London that South Africa could defend itself and that the imperial garrison could depart for France; when the British government asked Botha whether his forces would invade German South-West Africa, the reply was that they could and would. South African troops were mobilised along the border between the two countries under the command of General Henry Lukin and Lieutenant Colonel Manie Maritz early in September 1914. On 19 September 1914 another force occupied the German port of Lüderitz.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1914: 1914 Milestone — The Maritz rebellion, also known as the Third Boer War, or the Five Shilling rebellion, was an armed pro-German insurrection in South Africa in 1914, at the start of World War I.

Notable Quotes by Boer Revolt

“England's misfortune is the bitter enders' opportunity.”

“Thank God it was not an Englishman who captured me after all.” (1914)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Boer Revolt

True or False: “The rebellion leaders were primarily motivated by a desire to restore the South African Republic under German influence.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The rebels supported the re-establishment of the South African Republic in the Transvaal, viewing World War I as an opportunity for this goal.

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