Joseph Chamberlain’s Reputation in South Africa

Abstract

Joseph Chamberlain served as British Secretary of State for Colonies for eight years (1895–1903). Southern African affairs dominated his activities throughout this period. He was the only Colonial Secretary who ever visited South Africa. His policies had a massive impact on the subcontinent and contributed to the outbreak of the Anglo–Boer War in 1899. As a result he is mentioned, if not extensively discussed, in all books focusing on Anglo–South African relations in the period. This is the case both in contemporary books written in Chamberlain’s lifetime and also in historical works published in the course of the next century. In some books, such as Garvin and Amery’s The Life of Joseph Chamberlain, he is portrayed as a heroic figure.¹ On the other hand, cartoonists on the European continent at the time of the Anglo–Boer War portrayed him as a butcher in reaction to his spirited defence of the concentration camp policy of British military authorities in South Africa.² The distinguished South African historian Hermann Giliomee recently described Chamberlain as a conspirator.³ At the centenary of Chamberlain’s death it is opportune to revisit his activities and impact, especially with regard to South Africa. It is the specific objective of this chapter to highlight the dissonant reputation that this controversial historical figure gained in South Africa, both in his lifetime and also in South African historical tradition.