A Century of Wrong

"A Century of Wrong" by Jan Christiaan Smuts is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the grievances of the Boer people regarding British colonial policy in South Africa, critiquing the long-standing injustices and conflicts between the two groups. It serves as an official exposition of the Boer case, offering insights into their perspective during a pivotal moment in South African history. The opening of the book features a preface by W.T. Stead, emphasizing the urgency for the Boers to articulate their struggles and the injustices they have faced under British rule. It sets a tone of impending conflict, reflecting on a century of the Boer fight for autonomy and survival against colonial oppression. The narrative introduces F.W. Reitz, the State Secretary of the South African Republic, as the main voice for the Boers, detailing historical events and the political landscape leading to their current struggle. Through this introduction, readers are prepared for a detailed examination of events such as the Great Trek and the annexation of the Transvaal, which shaped the Boer identity and their claims for sovereignty amidst imperial conquest.