The British had economic interests in South Africa. As there were rich mineral deposits located in that region. However, the country was mainly populated by Dutch descendants which were colloquially known as "Boers" due to their farming activities.
British people settled in South Africa but were not granted citizenship. They were known as "uitlanders" due to their status of "resident but not a citizen". After failed negotiations between the British Empire and the Boer States regarding an improvement in uitlanders rights, the British decided to declare war on the Boers, triggering the conflict in 1899. A conflict that would last until 1902.
