UGS Special Edition: General Botha - Rise to Power Part 2

In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series by exploring General Louis Botha’s transformative journey from wartime commander to statesman.

In this episode, Max and Tony discuss Botha’s pivotal role in World War I, including his leadership during the Southwest Africa campaign, the challenges of commanding a divided nation, and the moral complexities of fighting alongside the British so soon after the Anglo-Boer War.

They also reach into the dynamics of Botha’s partnership with Jan Smuts—how their unique relationship shaped South Africa’s military and political traditions, and how Botha’s leadership left an enduring mark on the nation.

Let us know if there are other military legends you’d like us to cover in upcoming episodes!

For more on the topic, Tony's book Botha, Smuts and the First World War (available in South African bookstores) provides an in-depth look.

The UK edition, Botha, Smuts and the Great War, is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3C05lDr

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