A Conan Doyle

The War in South Africa A Conan Doyle

Author Arthur Conan Doyle recounts the events leading up to the two-year war in South Africa at the beginning of the 20th century between the Boer republics of South Africa and the British colonial empire. Doyle presents the Boers, comprised largely of Dutch and German immigrants, as the antagonist, accusing them of forcing Great Britain into war. Once the war is under way, European press begin attacking British troops, accusing them of atrocities, rudeness, disrespect and other foul acts toward Boer women and children as well as prisoners. Doyle spends at least three chapters defending the honor and humanity of British soldiers, while simultaneously presenting accounts of Boer atrocities toward British prisoners of war as well as South African native tribesmen.