The General who almost prevented the Boer War - General Sir William Butler

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  • Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
  • General Sir William Butler, came close to preventing the Boer War. How the history of South Africa and the British Empire might have been different if he had.
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    Linked videos
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    The Red River Expedition - Riel Rebellion (Canada)
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    General Sir William Butler, was an enigmatic member of Sir Garnet Wolseley’s Ashanti Ring of officers in the British Army during the late 19th century.
    Married to one of the most famous artists of the day, he served in Wolseley’s Red River campaign in Canada, the Ashanti War in West Africa, the Zulu War, Wolseley’s Egyptian campaign and the Nile Expedition to save General Charles Gordon in Khartoum.
    An organiser, who fell in love with the remote wilds of Canada and was instrumental in the formation of the North West Mounted Police. Butler, was also an accomplished writer and historian.
    So, a thinking general in the Victorian British army.
    And yet, despite being part of Queen Victoria’s army as it painted large parts of the globe British red, he was also a passionate supporter of Irish Home Rule and of Boer Independence in South Africa.
    And for a moment in 1898/99 he might have been the man to take on the imperialists such as Lord Milner, Cecil Rhodes & Joseph Chamberlain and prevent the Boer War from starting.
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    General Sir William Butler - Timeline of his life
    1838 Born, Ireland
    1858 Joins British army (69th Regiment of Foot)
    Served in 2nd Anglo-Burmese War
    1867 Stationed in Channel Islands (meets Victor Hugo)
    1868 Sent to Canada (Fennian Invasions)
    1870 Red River Expedition
    1872 Published "The Great Lone Land"
    1873 2nd Ashanti War
    1877 Married Elizabeth Thompson (Lady Elizabeth Butler)
    1882 Anglo-Egyptian War (Battles of Kassassin & Tel el Kebir)
    1884 Gordon Relief Expedition (Nile Expedition)
    1898 C-in-C South Africa
    1905 Retired
    1910 Died
    Chapters
    0:00 Intro
    1:42 Early Life
    2:09 Joins Army
    4:02 Canada
    6:57 Ashanti Ring
    8:21 Lady Elizabeth Butler
    9:19 Egypt
    9:58 Gordon Relief Exepdition
    12:35 Irish Home Rule
    13:25 C-in-C South Africa
    16:37 Clashes with Milner
    18:14 Nearly Averts Boer War
    19:30 Proved Correct
    20:51 Retirement
    21:52 The Thinking General
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    My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
    History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
    So rather than lectures or UA-cam animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
    My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
    Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
    Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 211

  • @philipopperman7570
    @philipopperman7570 29 днів тому +29

    Great video as always Chris. As an Afrikaaner, you are right, there is still a lot of bad feelings towards Britain for the Anglo Boer war. Especially under the older people whose parents were children in the concentration camps. The younger generation have little ill will towards the UK,

    • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
      @robert-trading-as-Bob69 29 днів тому +5

      Ja, that's true.
      As an Engelsman in the army in the late 80's, I learned that we weren't united at all.
      Coming from Joburg, they called me a Red Russian, or Kommunis... and other names that I'm too polite to mention here.
      Ja, those were lekker times, training to fight SWAPO and Communism, but having to fight Afrikaaners first.
      Despite my love of Afrikaans and my pride in my Boer ancestors, I refused to speak Afrikaans for many years.
      I even turned my back on Christianity as I didn't want to be associated with those bigoted Christian Afrikaaners that still held hate in their hearts.
      It's only this year that I've finally begun talking to my new neighbors in Afrikaans again.
      About 10 years ago the Afrikaans side of the family contacted me about our common ancestor, a Scot, who emigrated here with the 1820 settlers, and married a Boer women, trekked from the Eastern Cape to the Transvaal in the 1830's.
      She was the first contact between our common surname since my grandfather married a Scots girl in the 1930's.
      Her father fought with the Khakis against the Boers.
      That was the 'sin' that broke our family.

    • @douglasherron7534
      @douglasherron7534 27 днів тому +1

      @@robert-trading-as-Bob69 Something to do with salt I imagine....?

    • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
      @robert-trading-as-Bob69 27 днів тому +1

      @@douglasherron7534 Ja, soutpiel was the mildest of the many insults.

    • @robertkilloran9385
      @robertkilloran9385 26 днів тому

      Yes

    • @gorge5412
      @gorge5412 18 днів тому

      How interesting, Mr. Robert!
      Thank you for sharing.
      Not only is yr family history important to you but also as significant social history.

  • @ProfessorM-he9rl
    @ProfessorM-he9rl 25 днів тому +3

    Thank you for this post, he was a very brave man to voice his opinions in those days and deserves respect for trying so.

  • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
    @robert-trading-as-Bob69 29 днів тому +13

    Thanks Chris, and YES to a video on the Fenian Raids into Canada.
    My Great-grandfather, a decendant of a Scot who emigrated to the Cape Colony in 1820, fought against the Jameson Raid, and served in a Boer Kommando against the British.
    Civilian family of mine are buried at Irene Concentration Camp, mostly young children, who succumbed to British indifference and neglect.
    After the war his eldest son, George, my grandfather, married a Scots girl who was the daughter of an officer who had fought with the Black Watch (42nd Highlanders) against the Boers.
    Over 100 later, the Afrikaans side of the family still don't speak to us, the English-speaking Annandales...
    In the 1930's, an English-speaking primary school was begun on the Springbok Flats of Northern Transvaal. They named the school after Lord Milner of all people!
    I went to Lord Milner School as a boarder, and felt that as wonderful as the school was, that it had been named out of spite as it was nestled in the middle of a predominantly Afrikaans area who still harbour hatred of Milner to this day.

    • @douglasherron7534
      @douglasherron7534 27 днів тому +2

      Really interesting - so were your forebears part of the Grahamstown settlers?

    • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
      @robert-trading-as-Bob69 27 днів тому +2

      @@douglasherron7534 I recently moved home, and can't find the documents I collected, maps and all... but on my maternal side, the Holder family led one group and settled not far from the Thornhill led group which my paternal ancestor was a part of.
      This was the Albany Settlement, near Bathurst in the Eastern Cape.

    • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
      @robert-trading-as-Bob69 27 днів тому +1

      @@douglasherron7534 Please excuse my manners, I should have asked about your forebears as well.

    • @douglasherron7534
      @douglasherron7534 21 день тому +3

      @@robert-trading-as-Bob69 No problem.
      I'm Scottish, I just spent a lot of time in South Africa and am interested in the history. Also, travelled down the east coast - Palabora to Llandudno - on an epic summer holiday in 1998 - during which I stopped-off in Grahamstown.

    • @robert-trading-as-Bob69
      @robert-trading-as-Bob69 21 день тому +2

      @@douglasherron7534 1998 was a good time to visit South Africa.
      It was also the year I visited England.
      I went to see my footie team with the supporters club, and then had a decision to make: Go to Scotland or go to London to visit my best friend who'd emigrated there in 1996.
      I chose my friend, and the Imperial War Museum.
      You've made me realise I've never travelled to Grahamstown or Port Elizabeth to see where my ancestor settled.
      I can't afford to go to Scotland, but I can visit my local heritage.
      Thank you for that.

  • @kaoskronostyche9939
    @kaoskronostyche9939 29 днів тому +10

    Pardon my Chinese but Ho Lee Phuc! I had NO idea the casualties were that huge. What carnage. Another story well told. Thank you.

    • @free_at_last8141
      @free_at_last8141 27 днів тому +1

      Sum Ting Wong, Wi Tu Lo, and Bang Ding Ow send their regards.

    • @kaoskronostyche9939
      @kaoskronostyche9939 27 днів тому

      @@free_at_last8141 May these esteemed, noble gentlemen receive my best regards in return.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.

  • @jeningle8288
    @jeningle8288 29 днів тому +10

    What an amazing man and life. Thanks Chris.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @foxcell
    @foxcell 28 днів тому +5

    A Rebel in a uniform a adventure a champs for the underdog another good video to watch in my hospital bed ❤

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  25 днів тому +2

      Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it. Hope you are up and about soon.

  • @HarryWHill-GA
    @HarryWHill-GA 29 днів тому +5

    Bravo Zulu (Well Done) Chris. As if you have to ask. The answer is ALWAYS yes. If you think it is worth your time to make it, it will be well worth our time watching it. I love the Ashanti Ring videos.

  • @BootsontheTable
    @BootsontheTable 28 днів тому +4

    A fascinating man. Great video as always Chris. Thanks

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video

  • @charlesarmstrong5292
    @charlesarmstrong5292 29 днів тому +3

    Thanks so much for this erudite and complete picture of a truly great man. Would that Britain had more of his ilk at the time.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @charliemanson4808
    @charliemanson4808 29 днів тому +6

    Thanks Chris...searching for something to watch and failing and up pops this!
    This is an absolute ripping tale of men made different.
    The man was an absolute legend

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  29 днів тому +1

      Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

  • @Thomo2461
    @Thomo2461 26 днів тому +1

    This soldier come adventurer is a boys own story much enjoyed. Thanks Chris.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  25 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @brianspendelow840
    @brianspendelow840 29 днів тому +5

    Thank you Chris for this excellent video. I love your in depth treatments of little known characters from history. One addition I would like to make with regards to the Boer War is the contribution of Australia and New Zealand. The troops sent were not well treated by the British. The most famous example has been made into the movie Breaker Moran. It was this treatment that made the landing at Anzac Cove April 25th 1915 such a big deal. For the first time men from Australia and New Zealand fought in coherent units, under their own commanders, under their own flags. There is also a brilliant poem written about the war by Banjo Patterson. Not as well known as Waltzing Matilda, but for me far more moving. Written in 1901, The Last Parade is an anti- war poem about horses.

    • @arslongavitabrevis5136
      @arslongavitabrevis5136 29 днів тому

      You are right! I remember watching "Breaker Moran" when I lived in Australia (1994-2005) What an excellent film! I also had the opportunity to read (and learn) quite a lot about the ANZACs. I have an enormous respect and admiration for the Aussies and the Kiwis.
      BTW, I am sure you know the moving song "And the band played Waltzing Matilda". The best version I have ever heard is by the Irish tenor John McDermott, is difficult to listen to without shedding a tear. ua-cam.com/video/VktJNNKm3B0/v-deo.html

    • @BrummieBard
      @BrummieBard 28 днів тому

      Edward Woodward AKA Grubby British MI5 Agent :"Callan" in the eponymously named black ⚫️ and white TV series where agent Callan often abuses his informant "Lonely" (his nickname) played "Breaker Morant" a horse 🐎 Regiment soldier who cared more for his horses 🐎 than for those starving and emaciated shells 🐚 of Humans who occupied the British invented and erected Transvaal and Orange 🍊 Free State Concentration Camps 🏕 where over 40000 black African prisoners of war and 20000 Boer Afrikaaner soldiers and families.....men women and children who were being routinely brutally and systematically starved to death in the Death Camps 🏕. So we can see it was the British and "Father of Birmingham" Old Joe Chamberlain (the Birmingham University clock ⏰️ tower the taĺlest Free Standing Campanile 🧍‍♀️ or Clock ⏰️ Tower in THE WORLD 🌎 😉 has much to answer for as the Liberal Unionist MP and Postmaster General and President of the Board of Trade the Warmonger Joe Chamberlain who founded my Alma Mater the University of Birmingham like Chris Ford I have a degree in history......Modern History and Politics from the University of Nottingham where I gained a "Desmond" a TUTU as the trite phrase goes......🎉😢😮😮❤

    • @johngoosen1962
      @johngoosen1962 28 днів тому +1

      Eh....Breaker Morant was a cold blooded murderer. It's high time you go read what he had actually done instead of basing your knowledge off a romanticized movie.

    • @caeserromero3013
      @caeserromero3013 21 день тому +2

      @@johngoosen1962 100% correct. I watched the Film many years ago as a youngster and took it as gospel. It was only later when reading the actual history I learned that, not only was Morant and his unit responsible for many more deaths than the movie showed (such as execution of women and children) but also that far from being 'Scape-Goats of the Empire', the atrocities had actually been reported by AUSTRALIANS. It was fellow members of the BVC that reported the incidents to high command as they were appalled by the actions of their countrymen and didn't want Australia to live under the stain of such actions. The British were in fact forced to confront the issue and gave the only acceptable punishment, death for Morant and Hancock, whilst showing mercy to Whitton (who repaid that mercy with a slanderous book). Scapgoats of the Empire was like catnip for Australians and their genetic hatred of the English. They do seem to revel in victim hood and myth, such as the myth of the 'British drinking tea on the beach at Suvla bay whilst ANZACS died'. It made a great story line for the Movie Gallipoli, but it was total rubbish. I've always wondered why the Aussies can't just revel in their achievements (like the Canadians do) rather than harping on and on about (mostly invented) negatives. There was a very good Australian TV debate about Morant that you can find here: ua-cam.com/video/x0w9LFDYW1s/v-deo.html

    • @caeserromero3013
      @caeserromero3013 21 день тому +1

      @@BrummieBard I'd recommend reading up a bit more about 'Concentration camps'. Firstly they were not a 'British invention'. Indian reservations were not much different (except that in Indian reservations the Indians were often SOLD blankets deliberately infected with diseases). However the 'Concentration camp' model used in South Africa was borrowed from that already in use (and found effective) during the Spanish American war of 1898 (and subsequent native rebellions against the US) in Cuba and the Philippines (as was the block-house system later on). Furthermore, the Boers were actually pretty keen on their people (especially women and children) being taken into the protective custody of the British (and they took a great deal of satisfaction that their folk were fed at the cost of the enemy) because the longer the conflict went on, they feared for their women folk alone on remote farms being at the mercy of vengeful natives. If you read primary sources, there is significant evidence of this (I recommend the publication: With the Flag to Pretoria by Harmsworth press which was published at the time of the war, week by week. I have read this myself as I inherited the volumes from my Great Grandfather via my Grandfather). Furthermore, the Boers were not being 'routinely and systematically starved'. That's just blatant and baseless propaganda. If you read up on the subject you find that the camps were simply initially overwhelmed and that the military had other priorities than efficiently running camps at the time. There was outrage back in Britain as soon as the first reports started to come in (not helped by anti-imperial propagandists who published photos taken from Indian famines and passed them off as photos from the SA camps). The Hobhouse commission led by campaigner Emily Hobhouse forced the govt to deal with the crisis and control of the camps was taken away from the army. As soon as that happened the conditions in the camps rapidly increased and eventually death rates were actually LOWER than the average pre war levels. Some camps even had schools and entertainment societies. Another aspect that is overlooked is that the Boer Commandos often took advantage of the lax British policy of 'Parole' where a captured Boer could 'Pledge allegiance' surrender his weapon (often an obsolete flintlock musket was handed in after the modern Mauser had been buried for later retrieval) and go free. Often sick or injured Boers would 'Surrender' and go into the camps for food and medicine (and to see their families) and then just slip sway back to their unit when recovered. There were many contemporary reports of dead Boers found with multiple 'Parole papers' on their person when killed in action. This 'soft hearted policy' ironically prolonged the war and the suffering. Finally, it should also be remembered that loyalist citizens were not even treated as well as the Boers. Loyalists whose homes had been destroyed by the Boers (of which there were many) were not given any assistance by the British. Boer businesses who had their goods requisitioned by the British (food stuff, chandlery, horses, waggons etc) were given official compensation receipts by the British and were handsomely compensated after the war. The Boers would give no such recompense to loyalists whose property they seized, yet would sign generous notes to the Boers whose equipment they took, knowing that the British would foot the bill at wars end. If you look at the Vereeniging treaty, the level of compensation paid to the Boers was astronomical. This kind of torpedoes the myth that the Brits wanted SA purely for monetary gain. There are quite a few books with good info but as a quick read, check out this link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internment

  • @coult001
    @coult001 29 днів тому +3

    Great story again Chris, thank you!

  • @FranciscoPreira
    @FranciscoPreira 27 днів тому +2

    YES to a video on the Fenian Raids into Canada, it is a fascinating event, thanks for sharing.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  16 днів тому

      thanks for replying.

    • @edl653
      @edl653 6 днів тому

      Yes to the Fenian Raids. I am American and never heard of this.

  • @AlbertComelles1970
    @AlbertComelles1970 28 днів тому +1

    YES! An amazing story delivered once again! And thank you for his book references, I hope I shall have the chance to read them!

  • @johnshort4405
    @johnshort4405 28 днів тому +2

    Thanks Chris, great story telling. I think there is a theory amongst some historians that if Britain had not fought the Second Boer War it may have lost the Great War.
    All wars are tragedies but the Boer War even more so because of the huge number of civilian deaths, both black and white.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for the interesting feedback. Glad you enjoyed my video.

  • @stephenperry5849
    @stephenperry5849 29 днів тому

    Another brilliant video, thanks Chris.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

  • @QALibrary
    @QALibrary 29 днів тому +2

    I have learnt a lot today - thank you, Chris

  • @nigelhamilton815
    @nigelhamilton815 27 днів тому

    Good insight as always. Thank you.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  27 днів тому

      Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @phann860
    @phann860 27 днів тому

    Another excellent video, keep them coming.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  27 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @christopping5876
    @christopping5876 27 днів тому

    Thank-you Chris for another excellent video .

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  27 днів тому

      Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

  • @ludwigderzanker9767
    @ludwigderzanker9767 29 днів тому +1

    That Lady was a hell of a painter, Chris! Know all the pictures from my childhood but maybe I'm not the german average...Thanks and best regards! Ludwig and YES.

  • @jonthinks6238
    @jonthinks6238 27 днів тому

    Watched the whole series. A job well done TY. I have lots to cstch up on.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  16 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @cynthiaalver
    @cynthiaalver 29 днів тому

    Looking forward to your new videos. Thank you! Oh, and, YES .😊

  • @patrickrose1221
    @patrickrose1221 29 днів тому

    Brilliant 👍 I'm subscribing 😉

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for your support and for watching my video.

  • @harryshriver6223
    @harryshriver6223 29 днів тому +2

    Well done, amigo 👏 I really enjoyed this tale regarding the Impossible Irishman! He lived a life full of adventures and was an accomplished author. I will have to read some of works of literature, he was a champion of the indigenous people when no one gave one iota of a Goram bloody Hades, some would argue many still do not care. You certainly have some chutzpah my friend! 😊

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video glad you enjoyed it.

  • @johnt.kennedy3856
    @johnt.kennedy3856 17 днів тому

    Yes, please!

  • @anvil5356
    @anvil5356 29 днів тому +3

    History really would have been very different if Sir William Butler's view had been listened to.
    While the 2nd Boar war was expencive in both lives and money, without it the British army would never have learned the hard lessons that the Boar Commandos taught them, or made the changes that were needed to opperate in 'modern' warfare. After the 2nd Boar war the British army became (man for man) one of the most effective fighting forces in the world, rather than just the police force of the Empire which they had been up to this point.
    Equipment, training, marksmanship and even the system of command were all improved in the British army due to their experiance in the Orange free State. Officers in WW1 who were leading the British Expadtionary Forces in France 1914, and most importantly the Battalion commanders were mostly experianced in 'modern' warfare due to thier time in the Cape. If Butlers view had won out, the BEF really would have been the "Contemptible little army" the Kiaser spoke about, rather than the 'Old Contemptables' who stopped the German army in their tracks at 1st Ypers.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback

  • @johnconnolly4262
    @johnconnolly4262 2 дні тому

    Great video and YES to the fenian video 👏

  • @markymark3075
    @markymark3075 29 днів тому +2

    Yes!

  • @thecanadiangunnut
    @thecanadiangunnut 29 днів тому +2

    YES!

  • @billevans7936
    @billevans7936 25 днів тому

    Yes...please ...enjoying video too

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  22 дні тому

      Thanks for your reply & for watching my video.

  • @free_at_last8141
    @free_at_last8141 27 днів тому

    Great job! I would love to hear any stories on American-Canadian skirmishes. That history has been largely ignored.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  16 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video & I have noted your feedback.

  • @Lassisvulgaris
    @Lassisvulgaris 29 днів тому +2

    Yes, please......

  • @ianprince6376
    @ianprince6376 28 днів тому

    I enjoyed the video thank you. Yes please to a video on the Finian raids

  • @djtntmid
    @djtntmid 25 днів тому

    Yes please

  • @annoyedbrox4851
    @annoyedbrox4851 29 днів тому +1

    I liked, for the algorithm, but I'll watch it later, anyways I appreciate the effort history chap

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  29 днів тому

      Many thanks

    • @annoyedbrox4851
      @annoyedbrox4851 29 днів тому

      @@TheHistoryChap I loved your videos on Indian History (rebellion of '57)

    • @annoyedbrox4851
      @annoyedbrox4851 28 днів тому

      @@deogiriyadav8399 main guzarish karta huun ki Yadav Ji aap apne samay ka aache se istimal karen

  • @louvendran7273
    @louvendran7273 12 днів тому

    18:35 "Unity is strength" became the motto of the Union of South Africa & features on the coat of Arms which changed slightly in 1994. One lesrns something new everyday.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  9 днів тому +1

      Thanks for your comment & for watching my video.

  • @user-yf7gj4xz1s
    @user-yf7gj4xz1s 29 днів тому +1

    Well done, an accurate account of the Madness and Murder of Empire (AKA profit by grabbing). I was fortunate to live amongst the Afrikaners for 22 years, and learnt their incredibly efficient language. Their cultural norms (from Dutch and Huguenot ancestors) are outstanding, their energy and efficiency in turning dry land into food was remarkable. Plus, their Mausers and Long Tom cannons outshot the Brits by several hundred metres. The Afrikaners 'lost' the war after the Brits torched their farms, stole their cattle and starved scores of thousands (as you note) of their women and children in 'Concentration Camps' (note to Hitler). Few Brits know of that torturous cost in lives and treasure.....all for nothing but the mining profits of the likes of Rhodes, Milner, Chamberlain and scores of their 'aristrocratic' ilk, as opposed to a penny paid for the life of the brave, charging Tommy. So goes, Victorian romanticism.....I do wish Butler had endured.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

  • @deanjacobs1766
    @deanjacobs1766 28 днів тому

    YES

  • @stanboyd5820
    @stanboyd5820 16 днів тому +1

    Clouds and silver linings. The lessons, bitter lessons the British army learned in the Boer War are supposed to have transformed British military thinking and made the BEF of 1914 the finest army the British have ever deployed, or so I've heard.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video & for your comments.

  • @brendanmallon1479
    @brendanmallon1479 28 днів тому

    Fantastic yet again Chris would love to hear about the American Fenians more please love and respect from Ireland ❤

  • @maxreed2343
    @maxreed2343 29 днів тому

    Well of course it damn well has, Chris dear old chap, as I've STILL not even seen ANYTHING of them, the video history topics you say at the end, and not just them, but also the one about the Red River Expedition of 1870 which I haven't even looked at yet either. But now, once again thanks to YOU giving me the big push to need to do so, and of course the coverage of yet another amazing topic cover on a highly successful British military individual, this time on General Sir William Butler, I'll damn well get a move on on filling my military history love brain banks at last on EVERYTHING of the subjects you've reminded us of, the Boer War of 1899-1902, General Charles Gordon and the Nile Expedition, AND the Red River Expedition, cos once again you're just the superstar I could need the videos of when it comes to the need to teach myself about British military history conflicts/campaigns I was never taught about in school before

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

  • @ozzyfarrow9872
    @ozzyfarrow9872 28 днів тому

    Yes

  • @michaelward5228
    @michaelward5228 29 днів тому

    Enjoyed your video! A very interesting character with an incredible career covering many countries and conflicts across the globe. The gold and diamonds in South Africa offered opportunities to many to make fortunes and prevent anyone such as General Butler with the intention to act as a peacemaker and mediator from making any progress.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @hotmechanic222
    @hotmechanic222 29 днів тому

    Looking forward to the video on the military hospital

  • @harryehney1314
    @harryehney1314 27 днів тому

    Yes.

  • @user-yn7bj2mt1g
    @user-yn7bj2mt1g 28 днів тому +1

    Great video! So informative. It's too bad that he wasn't listened to; so many lives could have been saved and the troubles in South Africa may have been avoided.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video & your comment

  • @user-lt9py2pu6u
    @user-lt9py2pu6u 23 дні тому

    Thanks for that well told and fascinating piece of history. Some of todays politicians would do well to remember how right this man was in cautioning against military interventions before they make the same blunders as Rhodes and co.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  22 дні тому

      Thanks for watching my video. Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @coolhand4114
    @coolhand4114 29 днів тому

    yes

  • @nathanappleby5342
    @nathanappleby5342 27 днів тому

    Yes, I'd be up for a video on the Fenian Raids. They involved Sir Garnet Wolseley on the British side, and I would really like to learn more about his involvement. Sir William Butler was one of the most well traveled officers in the Victorian Army. Wolseley did well to put his trust in Butler, a fellow Irish native. Wolseley in a way reminds me of Henry Halleck, a Union general who had a bad habit of deflecting blame onto others for faults which were his own. Butler was, without a doubt, one of the best officers in the Ashanti Ring. At 16:31, the way you shifted pages was new! It was nice he produced strong familial roots which served in both world wars. It was such a pity he was unable to prevent the Second Boer war from happening. Had he succeeded, A LOT would have been different, good (the Boers) and bad, (World War 1 British Army).

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video & your feedback. The Fenian Raids are on my list for future videos.

  • @andysvehiclehistorychannel
    @andysvehiclehistorychannel 28 днів тому

    Very enjoyable video love the famous paintings i'v never looked into who did them but now I don't have to 😃

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  16 днів тому

      Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video.

  • @simonday3740
    @simonday3740 28 днів тому

    Nice one Chris, yes to the Fenian raids.

  • @majorronaldmandell7835
    @majorronaldmandell7835 27 днів тому

    Yes! By all means please do a segment on the Irish American raids on Canadian! I know nothing about them at all!!

  • @75RWM
    @75RWM 28 днів тому

    Yes, I look forward to you covering the Fenian raids.

  • @ciarandoyle4349
    @ciarandoyle4349 24 дні тому

    General Butler's book, "The Light of the West", provides a good explanation of the underlying differences between the Irish and the English of his time (and perhaps of our own?), particularly in his chapter "Clan and Boat's Crew".
    The Fenian Raids on Canada would be a good subject for a video, and of course they didn't "work" from an Irish point of view. However, these raids did form part of the unplanned multi-generational "learning process" of the Irish independence movement which spanned the period 1845 to 1945. One may assert that the process culminated in the confirmation of Irish independence through a successful policy of (poorly) armed neutrality during WW2; Ireland being one of only five European countries to remain neutral throughout that conflict.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  22 дні тому

      Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

  • @MrLobstermeat
    @MrLobstermeat 29 днів тому

    What can I say! You must explore the Fenian raids! I had never even heard of these until now....Please

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Thanks for the feedback. This is on my list on future videos.

  • @Augh98-nt2zn
    @Augh98-nt2zn 29 днів тому +1

    As an Irishman, Yes.

  • @phann860
    @phann860 27 днів тому

    A video on the Fenian raids on Canada would be a good idea. How about a chap called Pellew, I read a book about him and he was an almost Cochrane character. Another Irishman, it is a pity that so much trouble could have been avoided if he was heeded.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  16 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video & your interesting comment.

  • @maxsmyth4819
    @maxsmyth4819 29 днів тому

    Yes, I've never heard that part of US/Canada History

  • @mikesellers1879
    @mikesellers1879 28 днів тому

    Please do a video about the Irish/Union bunch vs. British Canada...I'm aware (a little) of the Irish involvement in our War of Independence...would like more details of the Irish Union involvement and the Canadian conflict...Many thanks !!!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video and the conflicts you refer to are on my list for future videos. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos.

  • @formwiz7096
    @formwiz7096 29 днів тому

    Learned a lot from this, thanks. And, definitely, yes.
    PS Where can I find a copy of that beautiful map of India at 2:49?

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Glad you enjoyed my video, sorry I can't remember where the map was from.

    • @formwiz7096
      @formwiz7096 14 днів тому

      @@TheHistoryChap Thanks, anyway. I appreciate the effort.

    • @formwiz7096
      @formwiz7096 14 днів тому

      Found it! Wiki, no less, but it's one of several in the entry about the British Raj.

  • @Johnny-Thunder
    @Johnny-Thunder 29 днів тому

    Perhaps you could make a video about Francis Vere: a very succesful English military commander, but there's no YT video yet dedicated to him.

  • @ethanlewis1459
    @ethanlewis1459 27 днів тому

    Will you do videos on the West African Squadron and their role in Stopping Slavery

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  16 днів тому

      Thanks for watching my video. Will add your suggestion to my ever growing list.

  • @rchas1023
    @rchas1023 29 днів тому +1

    As a Liverpudlian, I have great interest in things Irish. The Fenians would be most interesting.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Thanks for you comment & for watching my video

  • @billevans7936
    @billevans7936 25 днів тому

    I have book on her paintings....❤

  • @kennethknoppik5408
    @kennethknoppik5408 29 днів тому

    Yes to those Irish raids sounds interesting 🤔

  • @wesleyphillips7744
    @wesleyphillips7744 29 днів тому

    I would like to see your video on the Fienian raids. I would also recommend that you look at some of the videos of the BRITISH MUZZLELOADERS that also have a great deal about them.

  • @jonthinks6238
    @jonthinks6238 27 днів тому

    Do you know of the British Armies cemetery in western Pennsylvania? It's from "the French and Indian War" very picturesque site. Have a ceremony annually. Its called Bushy Run, lots of re-enactors. (Even French re-eactors, and white butted ibians) I would to see a series on the units histories.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback. I had not heard about the cemetery in Western Pennsylvania. Thank you.

    • @jonthinks6238
      @jonthinks6238 15 днів тому

      @TheHistoryChap sorry for speel check. Should have read ( white butted indians) not natives. There are several reenactments across the US & Canada. he⁰

  • @DavidLindemuth
    @DavidLindemuth 28 днів тому

    Yes 5:01

  • @willjohnson1273
    @willjohnson1273 28 днів тому

    YES to a video on Fenian raids.

  • @HootOwl513
    @HootOwl513 28 днів тому

    I wonder if this Butler was any relation to Maj Gen Smedley D Butler USMC, MOH [X2]?
    Maj Gen Butler was the author of ''War is a Racket.''

  • @IndianaDel1
    @IndianaDel1 28 днів тому

    Yes please on the Fenian raids 1866-71

  • @mackenshaw8169
    @mackenshaw8169 23 дні тому

    The 2nd Boer War started when the Transvaal and the OFS, after years of semi covert planning and subversion and taking full advantage of the pacifistic and non threatening stance described in this video, invaded Cape - Natal. Their slogan was " Africa for the Afrikaneers". If Kruger did not launch this invasion then there would simply never have been a war.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  23 дні тому

      An interesting take on the situation. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

    • @mackenshaw8169
      @mackenshaw8169 23 дні тому

      @@TheHistoryChap You're welcome. I recommend Chris Ask, "Kruger, kommandos and Kak" for a detailed rebuttal of the Pakenham consensus.

  • @bobwilliams899
    @bobwilliams899 27 днів тому

    Cover the Fenian Raids of course

  • @jovanweismiller7114
    @jovanweismiller7114 28 днів тому

    How did a traitor like Butler manage to stay in the Army for as long as he did?

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  15 днів тому

      Interesting comment. Thanks for watching my video

  • @mgramsdale
    @mgramsdale 29 днів тому

    Yes!

  • @danielmaher7195
    @danielmaher7195 29 днів тому

    Yes

  • @jameseknight2183
    @jameseknight2183 29 днів тому

    Yes.

  • @RobertGoudie-gw8wi
    @RobertGoudie-gw8wi 28 днів тому

    yes

  • @ironduke555
    @ironduke555 29 днів тому

    Yes

  • @sirfox950
    @sirfox950 29 днів тому

    Yes

  • @davidwhite4874
    @davidwhite4874 29 днів тому

    Yes

  • @lucianmorn7273
    @lucianmorn7273 18 днів тому

    Yes

  • @yvonnecornell4936
    @yvonnecornell4936 29 днів тому

    Yes

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  29 днів тому

      Ok. Will add to my list.

    • @thecanadiangunnut
      @thecanadiangunnut 28 днів тому

      You should check out the most recent series uploaded by Britishmuzzleloaders recently on the battle of Eccles Hill and the Fenian Raids.