1914–1918
South African participation in the First World War
South Africa fought as part of the British Empire during the First World War, including campaigns in southern Africa and beyond.
View in timelineSouth Africa fought as part of the British Empire during the First World War, including campaigns in German South West Africa, East Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The Union government's decision to invade German South West Africa also provoked the 1914 Afrikaner Rebellion, making wartime participation a major test of the new state's political unity.
Significance
The war shaped Union politics, military institutions and South Africa's regional role.
Why it matters
The war shaped Union politics, military institutions and South Africa's regional role, while the decision to fight for the British Empire provoked the 1914 Afrikaner Rebellion.