Black Week Research Paper

The battle at Stormberg marked the start of a series of British defeats during the period of the 10th, 11th, and 15th of December 1899, which became known as ‘Black Week’. New modern technology and forms of communication aided to entry of the term ‘Black Week’. For the first time, the war was brought back home. Improvement in types of communication coupled with an increase in the public’s literacy standard prompted meant that news on the war was being printed in greater quantities for a larger audience. Many of the truths of the war were exposed in postcards and letters from loved ones. In addition, the war witnessed the dawn of cinematography film – this enabled soldiers to bring images of warfare back home. Together, these factors prevented
Buller’s poor decision led to only two guns being retrieved at the expense of his men. Beginning to realise his defeat, Buller decided to withdraw his troops, thus abandoning the rest of their weaponry. The magnitude of the British defeat that occurred on the 10th, 11th and 15th during ‘Black Week’ was a turning point in many aspects. On three occasions of ‘Black week’ the British power had been challenged – and beaten. The third British humiliation of ‘Black Week’ brought the realization to the British that they had underestimated the power of the Boer army with their over-confidence in their own. Furthermore, this gloomy week marked a shift in British attitudes, forcing them to adopt a different approach to the
In the early hours of the morning, it appeared as though the British had won Spion Kop. However, as the mist lifted and the sun began to rose it became clear that they had only half won Spion Kop and that the British men had become heavily exposed. The battle of Spion Kop resulted in once again, a British retreat and a Boer victory. In the end, the British had lost 1,750 men and had failed to relieve Ladysmith.

Although at this time it appeared as though the Boers were winning the war, by November 1899, the Boers were unaware that they had made their biggest mistake yet. The Boers failed to take advantage of their initial success – a mistake that cost them the war. The Boers failed to take action, rather waiting for the British to make their move. The stall in Boer activity provided the British with the time they needed to prepare their attack on the besieged Kimberly, Mafeking and Ladysmith. The Boer army was simply not equipped for an offensive