Most Americans have never heard of the Boer War. Even very serious young students of US history – those who attend all lectures and do all the assigned reading in their undergraduate-level courses – are likely to know little or nothing about this long turn-of-the-century war in which the mighty British Empire was compelled to expend vast resources to subdue the South African Republic (the Transvaal) and the Orange Free State.

Although perhaps understandable, this state of affairs is regrettable, for the Boer War did engage the attention of contemporary Americans and did become an issue of contention in American politics, particularly during the presidential election year of 1900. Much more important, the Boer War was a pivotal event in the history of American foreign relations. By conducting a decidedly pro-British neutrality policy throughout the war, the US government bolstered the fledgling Anglo-American friendship and prepared the way for the emergence under President Theodore Roosevelt of the uniquely special relationship that would play such a crucial role in twentieth-century international history.

The backdrop

For well over a century following the American Revolution, Anglo-American relations were marked by conflict and a great deal of mutual antipathy. A turn for the better occurred during the mid-1890s. One important stimulus was Kaiser Wilhelm's telegram of 3 January 1896 congratulating President Paul Kruger on beating back the Jameson Raid and preserving the Transvaal's independence.