The American colonies and the Boer War

Study note

Britain once ruled thirteen colonies along the east coast of America. The colonists grew angry at being taxed by Britain while having no representation in Parliament, summed up in the slogan 'no taxation without representation'. In 1776 the American colonies declared their independence, and Britain finally recognised the new United States a few years later, in 1783. The key date to remember for the declaration of independence is 1776, not 1066, 1707 or 1815.

Much later, at the very end of the 19th century, Britain fought the Boer War from 1899 to 1902. This war was fought in South Africa against Dutch settlers known as the Boers. It was a hard conflict that raised questions about the future of the British Empire. Together these two events show Britain's changing relationship with its empire over time.

Memory tip: 1776 American colonies declare independence; Boer War 1899-1902 in South Africa.