THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.

During the South African War, South Africa played a leading role in two African campaigns. The German authorities in German South West Africa (now Namibia) remained patriotic but believed that the fate of their colony would be decided on the battlefields of Europe. South Africa was a divided nation, with some communities reacting with pleasure to the news of the war and hoping for British defeat. The Boer community also saw the war as an opportunity for revenge against the British. Despite initial setbacks, South Africa eventually invaded German South West Africa and captured the colonial capital. The surrender of the Germans also prevented them from encroaching on Portuguese South West Africa (Angola). South Africa's success in the war led to it being relied upon by Britain for fresh troops in East Africa. [Extracted from the article]