In what ways can the 2nd Boer War been seen as a turning point for British Imperialism?

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In what ways can the 2nd Boer War been seen as a turning point for British Imperialism?

Some historians look upon the Boer War as ‘Britain’s Vietnam’, as Britain had faced international humiliation, which was a deeply significant event in the history of the Empire from 1815 to 1914, with far reaching consequences.  The Boer War could be seen as the turning point for British Imperialism, because as a consequence many changes were made as to the way South Africa was ruled.  However, these consequences could be accounted for as beginning to occur before the Boer War, with many factors remaining thereafter.

The Boer War could be seen as a turning point for British Imperialism, as there was a change in foreign policy, which saw the end of splendid Isolation.  This was due to the difficulties experienced due to protracted conflict, which revealed that the policy was no longer tenable.  This was evident after the war, as Britain signed diplomatic agreements with imperial rivalries.  Such as The Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902), the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Convention (1907), which followed in rapid succession.  In addition, differences with the USA over Venezuela were settled and American domination of the North American continent was accepted.  This showed that the Boer War had lessened Britain’s moral influence and superior power by making alliances and showed that Britain’s self confidence had been dented.  Britain was also met by strong critics by Germany, which criticised the concentration camps and made it look as if Britain was a weakening race, which suggested that they were no longer considered a superior power.  This was a turning point for British Imperialism, as this was a total change in foreign policy, which had not occurred before the Boer War.

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The Boer War could also been seen as a turning point for British Imperialism, as there was a growth in anti-imperialist groups emerging within British politics and societies.  Imperialism was seen beforehand, as a  ‘positive mission’ designed to bring ‘civilisation’ to underdeveloped societies.  However, after the war, Imperialism was no longer seen in this light, but was considered a right wing policy associated with ‘die-hard conservatives.  Therefore, after the Boer War, Imperialism had changed from a positive policy to a negative one afterwards, which was now being attacked more.  This was evident in J.A.Hobson’s influential study Imperialism (1902), which ...

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