Lord Milner and South Africa : the failure of anglicization, 1900-1905

Abstract

A few months after the start of the Boer War, England officially began an anglicization program aimed at establishing the English culture in a position of dominance in South Africa. Alfred Lord Milner was the prime mover of this effort which lasted until his departure from the South African political scene in 1905.

Milner had held the position of High Commissioner of the Cape Colony since 1897, having been selected by the Colonial Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain. Milner had been an avid imperialist throughout his life and this believe carried over into the reconstruction of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony following the conclusion of the war in May, 1902.

Education and immigration were the two main tools of anglicization used by the High Commissioner and his associates. The education program in these South African territories was revamped to the point where the English language was made of the official language of these Dutch-speaking countries. The education of the Afrikaner children revolved around learning about England and its vast Colonial Empire. Certain sections of the British population in England were encouraged to emigrate to South Africa. By mingling with the Boers, ti was hoped that the Afrikaners would pick up English was and become more anglicized.

Unfortunately for Milner, this method of national indoctrination was going out of style. The education and immigration programs both fell far short of expectations. In addition an economic depression in South Africa caused by a labor shortage, and bitter anti-British sentiment by the Afrikaners, all led to the ultimate failure of anglicization.

The major sources for this study were "The Milner Papers" (volumes one and two) and the "Parliamentary Papers" which both contained a large collection of Lord Milner's private letters and notes pertaining to his anglicization program.