A HISTORY LESSON
Trip Start
Jul 14, 2007
1
12
Trip End
Ongoing
Dundee,
South Africa
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Of course,I had heard of it.
But I could not tell it apart from the Zulu wars.I could not tell you what Boers were doing in South Africa,nor indeed what the British were doing there,other than the obvious fact that it was part of another Empire building exercise.I had no idea that gold or diamonds had anything to do with it.I had heard of Cecil Rhodes,but I did not know he had a country named after him.I knew of Ghandi,but did not have a clue that he had ever been to South Africa,let alone led the Indian immigrants there for 25 years,and organised a team of stretcher bearers during the Boer War.And when it comes to the Boer War,or more precisely the Anglo-Boer War,nor could I even tell you who won.
This is partly because our history education at school completely ignored all forms of armed conflict.The history that binds our nation apparently consisted of Tudors,Stuarts,Georgian architecture and Warwick Castle.Oh yes,and some dinosaurs and some cavemen.
At least my education can't be accused of bashing a war zone interest out of me,instead allowing me to discover it for myself in my adult life.Perhaps for this I should be grateful.
South Africa is an educative experience,and a long list of time consuming and exemplary museums,and battlefield sites,provide a uniquely rewarding experience.
