The Anglo-Boer Wars were two conflicts fought between the British Empire and the Boer republics in southern Africa. The first war, known as the First Anglo-Boer War (1880-1881), arose from tensions over British control in the region. The Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, sought to maintain their independence, leading to a series of battles that ended in a Boer victory. The second conflict, the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), was more extensive and brutal. It began due to disputes over gold and diamond resources in the Boer republics of Transvaal and Orange Free State. The war resulted in significant casualties and ended with the British annexing the Boer territories, leading to the eventual formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.