Leipziger Tageblatt; Extra-Blatt - Early 20th Century German Newspapers on the Second Boer War

This is an exceptional pair of historical German newspapers from 1900, printed during the height of the Second Boer War (1899-1902). These documents provide contemporary German-language coverage of the war in South Africa, specifically focusing on the British victory at Paardeberg (February 1900) and a subsequent report on a Boer defeat near Rustenburg (October 1900).

The Leipziger Tageblatt, dated February 27, 1900, details the capitulation of General Piet Cronjé, a major turning point in the war where the Boer general and approximately 4,000 troops surrendered to Lord Roberts' British forces at Paardeberg. The article conveys the significance of this event and its impact on the war effort.

The Extra-Blatt (special edition) provides a later war report from October 3, 1900, covering an attack by 1,500 Boers under General De La Rey against a British brigade near Rustenburg, which ultimately ended in a British victory. The casualty figures for both sides are included, making this a compelling primary source.

Historical Context:

The Second Boer War was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (Transvaal and the Orange Free State) over control of South Africa. Germany, though officially neutral, had strong sympathies for the Boers, as evidenced by newspapers like these, which framed British advances with cautious optimism while emphasizing Boer resilience.

At the time, Germany had vested colonial interests in Africa, particularly in German South West Africa (modern-day Namibia). The war was widely reported in German media, as it aligned with anti-British sentiment prevalent in Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Germany.

Condition:

• The Leipziger Tageblatt has some creasing and edge wear but remains well-preserved with crisp black ink on aged paper.
• The Extra-Blatt is folded with minor discoloration and a small corner tear, but still legible and structurally intact.
• Both pieces exhibit natural aging, consistent with archival documents of this period.

Provenance & Collectability:

This is a rare set of German print media from 1900, offering firsthand insight into contemporary European perspectives on the Boer War. Original wartime newspapers are increasingly scarce and highly sought after by military historians, collectors, and Boer War enthusiasts.

Display Suggestions:

• Framing these newspapers in UV-protected glass would help preserve them while allowing for an elegant historical display.
• Pairing them with Boer War medals or period maps would enhance their visual and educational appeal.

An excellent addition to any military history collection, particularly for those with an interest in German colonial perspectives or Boer War documentation.