The Second Boer War erupted as longstanding tensions between the British Empire and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State reached a breaking point. In the late 19th century, the discovery of vast gold reserves in the Transvaal attracted a wave of British settlers, known as Uitlanders, who sought opportunities in the burgeoning economy. However, the Boer government, led by President Paul Kruger, resisted granting the Uitlanders political rights, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the British settlers and increasing pressure from the British government.

British attempts to exert influence over the region escalated the situation, culminating in a series of failed negotiations concerning the rights of the Uitlanders. The British troops stationed in the Cape Colony were mobilized, and on October 11, 1899, military action commenced with the British issuing an ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of Boer troops from their borders. When the ultimatum expired, hostilities began, marking the official start of the war.

The war was characterized by conventional battles followed by a protracted guerrilla campaign led by the Boers, as well as significant military innovations. Major battles occurred at places like Colenso, Magersfontein, and Spion Kop. The British military faced challenges in coping with Boer tactics and suffered initial setbacks. Key figures in the conflict, such as Lord Roberts and General Cronje, played pivotal roles in the military strategies employed by both sides. Over the following years, the conflict engaged not just local forces but also volunteers and soldiers from the British Empire, making it a significant international military engagement.