Rivalry in Southern Africa, 1893-99: The Transformation of German Colonial Policy - Hardcover

Matthew S. Dr Seligmann Matthew S. Seligmann

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312211538 ISBN 13: 9780312211530

Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan, 1998

Synopsis

This study focuses on the development of German policy toward the Transvaal and Southern Africa in the 1890s. During this time Germany's flirtation with President Kruger and her confrontational approach to Britain threatened war. How did this come to pass? This study examines the roots of German policy and explores the consequent rivalries and tensions. Extensive archival research in Britain and Germany shows that in the mid 1890s, Germany's leaders deliberately disregarded British opposition and sought to expand their influence into this mineral-rich region. Lured by enthusiastic reports from their diplomats in Southern Africa and by a mistaken notion of Boer enthusiasm for Germany, the German government pursued an active and expansionist policy. It was only when this failed that Germany's leaders decided to seek gains elsewhere, thus demonstrating the importance of South Africa to German imperialism and the role it played in widening German imperial ambitions before 1914.

About this title

About the Author

Matthew S. Seligmann is Lecturer in Modern World History at Nene College in Northampton.

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0312211538
• ISBN 13: 9780312211530
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 200