1899 - The Second Boer War

The discovery of diamonds and gold in the Boer independent states triggered the Second Boer War between the British and the Boers. Although initial Boer attacks were successful, British reinforcements later reversed them. The war continued for years with Boer guerrilla warfare until harsh British counter-measures, including a scorched earth policy, brought the Boers to terms, and once again culminated with a negotiated peace in 1902.