Why did Australians fight in the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1901?

When the British Empire and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State the Australian colonies were quick to offer men and materiel to the British Home Office. The motives of Australian colonial politicians centred around support for the British Empire. Australian men, on the other hand, were tempted by a sense of adventure. The Second Boer War was in progress when the Australian birth certificate was issued in 1901. There were few questions raised about the either the morality or legality of the acquisition of the Boer republics. This source-based activity is designed for students of the NSW K-10 History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

Stage 5
Depth Study 2: Australia & Asia
2a: Making a Nation - Australia 1900-1914