A grand illusion

The incomparable de Kiewiet once observed that South Africa developed economically by windfalls and politically by disasters. During the years 1899 to 1908 there was particularly intense competition for the harnessing of Transvaal gold to rival political purposes, and the period witnessed dramatic changes in the complexion of governments in the sub-continent. In 1899 the British imperial government thought it likely that their power in the sub-continent might be eroded beyond recovery, unless some striking gains were made by diplomatic or military means.