Chapter 54, Crisis of Faith

The Anglo-Austrian countries were at loggerheads in South Africa, and the nations of Europe were happy to sit back and enjoy the farce. To prolong the duration of this war, the French even took practical actions to support the "Boer Republic."

In this Anglo-Boer war, nearly one-fifth of the strategic materials were contributed by the French. The supplies transported from Austria, through Egypt, to the South African front line were also facilitated greatly by France.

Rather than being an Anglo-Austrian game of chess, the Anglo-Boer war was more like a joint effort by France and Austria to give the British a headache. Although Austria ultimately occupied South Africa, the French investment was not in vain.

Tying up the British in South Africa was preferable to letting them devote that portion of their energy to the European Continent.

The Anti-French Alliance remained on paper and did not become a reality, and this "Anglo-Boer War" played an important role in that.