17 October 2024
Eben van Tonder
Introduction
Two days ago, my Austrian friend and research collaborator sent me a simple but intriguing message: “I have something for you.” Since we first met earlier this year, I’ve written over 70 articles inspired by either her shared research or insights from our many conversations. I am in Graz, where I have the opportunity to assist her in research work she is engaged in, while I have the opportunity to complete a few ongoing meat science projects myself. Our daily meetings are in-depth discussions on topics ranging from meat science and anthropology to chemistry and history.
That morning, she brought me a pack of sausages that instantly reminded me of the Russians we have in South Africa. These, however, were Burenwurst sausages. As she shared the story behind them, I could barely contain my excitement. She provided me with several academic works on the subject, and from this wealth of material, I immediately crafted From Frankfurter to Burenwurst and Russian: A Comprehensive Culinary and Historical Study.
It was the continued discussions the following day, combined with a message from Danie Grove from Johannesburg in response to my article last night, that made me dig even deeper. What I uncovered is remarkable, and being here, immersed in the history and culture, only deepens my connection. My love for meat science, along with the shared cultural exchanges that span continents, enables me to unearth these gems with the help of those with whom I collaborate and share my passions. These stories beg to be told, and the fact that I can be part of this journey humbles me and fills me with immense gratitude.
Being here in Graz, I feel an even deeper connection to the history and meaning behind the science that consumes my life. Food, I have realised for a long time now, is not just sustenance. It is tied to our deepest emotions, desires, and aspirations. In my short time here, I’ve experienced the warmth and generosity of the Austrian people, some of the kindest and most remarkable I have ever met and what I learned tonight, building on the information I already shared in my previous article, solidifies the love and appreciation I experience towards this remarkable nation.
What I discovered tonight is that while the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) captivated global attention, Austria, though officially neutral, saw a remarkable surge of public and cultural support for the Boers. I was already aware of this, but what was new to me was how deeply the Boer struggle against British imperialism resonated with the nationalist sentiments growing within Austria. Demonstrations, speeches, and even culinary tributes, like the Burenwurst, became expressions of Austria’s solidarity with the Boers. At the forefront of this movement was Baron Anton von Goldeck, an Austrian nobleman who took direct action by leading a reconnaissance unit in South Africa. His widely published letters provided a rare glimpse into the war, igniting public enthusiasm back home. Through his personal stories and vivid war experiences, von Goldeck became a symbol of Austrian empathy for the Boer cause and a rallying point for those who saw in the Boers’ fight for freedom a reflection of their own growing nationalist aspirations.
Public Demonstrations and Burenwurst: Austria’s Unique Response
The public outcry in Austria against British imperialism during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) was highly visible, particularly in the series of pro-Boer rallies that swept through the nation. The most notable of these demonstrations took place in Vienna on March 25, 1900, where thousands of Austrians gathered in solidarity with the Boer cause. Banners emblazoned with slogans like “Unsere Brüder in Afrika – Freiheit für die Buren!” (Our Brothers in Africa – Freedom for the Boers!) filled the streets, drawing not only ordinary citizens but also intellectuals, nationalist leaders, and cultural figures who saw in the Boers’ struggle a reflection of Austria’s own complex fight for national identity within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
These demonstrations were not mere political spectacles; they carried deep cultural and emotional significance. Intellectuals such as the renowned poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal and nationalist figures like Georg Ritter von Schönerer voiced their support for the Boers, highlighting the war as a microcosm of the broader conflict between imperial domination and the struggle for national self-determination. In a speech delivered at one rally, Schönerer declared, “The Boers are not only fighting for their freedom but for the principle of self-determination that we Austrians must also pursue.”
One of the most enduring and unique symbols of Austria’s support for the Boers was the creation of the Burenwurst, a sausage that became more than just a popular food. It became a culinary emblem of solidarity with the Boer cause. Introduced during the height of the war, the Burenwurst was sold in markets and served in taverns across Vienna, with many Austrians declaring it a symbol of resistance to British imperialism. As described in an article from the Neues Wiener Journal on May 5, 1900, “The Burenwurst is more than sustenance. In every bite, the people find a way to stand against the imperialist forces of England, expressing their solidarity with the brave men of the Transvaal.”
Taverns across the city became gathering points for public discussions about the war, where patrons would not only enjoy the Burenwurst but also engage in heated debates about the politics of the time. A local newspaper recorded the sentiments of one tavern-goer, who remarked, “With every bite of the Burenwurst, we defy the British Empire and stand with the Boers, who fight with the same spirit we Austrians should embody in our own struggle for national dignity.”
The movement was not confined to Vienna. Across Austria, towns and villages organised similar rallies, and the Burenwurst became a national symbol. Even in regions where Germanic identity was less pronounced, the Boer struggle resonated, transcending ethnic divides within the empire. In Graz, one rally attracted over 3,000 people, where Franz Ferdinand von Habsburg’s brother, Archduke Leopold Salvator, reportedly commented: “What the Boers fight for today is what many of us, within this very empire, have long fought to preserve—our right to our own identity and sovereignty.”
At the heart of Austria’s solidarity with the Boers was the figure of Baron Anton von Goldeck, an Austrian nobleman who not only offered moral support but took direct action by joining a reconnaissance unit in South Africa. Goldeck’s letters from the frontlines, widely published in Austrian newspapers, provided a rare and highly personal glimpse into the war. In one of his letters, published in Die Neue Freie Presse on April 16, 1901, Goldeck wrote: “The Boers’ courage is unshakable, their spirit unbreakable. In them, I see the mirror of our own national aspirations, as they struggle not just against an enemy but for the right to exist on their own terms.”
These letters galvanised public enthusiasm, making Goldeck a hero of the Austrian nationalist movement. As one contemporary observer noted, “Goldeck was not just an Austrian fighting in a foreign war; he was the embodiment of Austrian national pride, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Boers in their fight against a global empire.” His actions and words inspired a surge of nationalistic fervour back home, fueling the belief that Austria, too, could resist the encroachments of imperialism and secure its national identity.
Through the personal stories and experiences of figures like von Goldeck, as well as the powerful cultural symbols such as the Burenwurst, Austria’s response to the Boer War became an integral part of its own nationalist discourse. It was a moment when Austria, though geographically distant, found common cause with the Boer fighters, and through public demonstrations, cultural expressions, and even food, this solidarity became a defining feature of the era.
The Adventures of Baron Anton von Goldeck: Stories from the Front
Baron Anton von Goldeck, one of the most celebrated figures in Austria during the war, led a unit of Austrians and Hungarians in South Africa, providing reconnaissance and strategic support to the Boers. His letters, regularly published in the Wiener Zeitung and other Austrian newspapers, gave readers a vivid account of the war from the front lines. These letters not only detailed the brutal realities of combat but also described the camaraderie, resilience, and tactical genius of the Boer fighters.
In one of his early letters, dated August 15, 1900, von Goldeck recounted an intense skirmish with British forces: “We were vastly outnumbered, yet the Boers fought with the heart of lions. They moved like shadows through the valleys, taking advantage of every ridge and rock. I have never seen such fierce determination in any army.” Von Goldeck’s admiration for the Boer fighters was palpable in his writing, and these accounts helped to bolster Austrian support for the war.
In another letter, dated September 1, 1900, von Goldeck described a daring reconnaissance mission where his unit played a crucial role in outmanoeuvring the British: “We travelled through the night, silently crossing the plains under the cover of darkness. By dawn, we had reached a high ridge overlooking the British encampment. We watched as their movements unfolded below us, and we relayed vital information back to the commandos. It was the key to our victory that day.”
Von Goldeck’s letters were filled with anecdotes of bravery and tactical brilliance. In one account, he described a moment when a small group of Boers managed to ambush a much larger British detachment. Using the landscape to their advantage, the Boers struck quickly and disappeared into the hills before the British could react. “It was like watching ghosts,” von Goldeck wrote. “They were there one moment, and then gone the next, leaving behind only chaos in their wake.”
The baron also spoke of the difficulties his unit faced, not only in combat but in dealing with the harsh South African terrain. In one letter, he wrote: “The heat is unforgiving, and the land is as much an enemy as the British. We march for hours without water, our mouths dry, and our bodies weak. But the Boers press on, their eyes fixed on victory.” Despite these challenges, von Goldeck often highlighted the camaraderie and sense of purpose that bonded his unit together with the Boer fighters.
One of the most touching anecdotes in his letters came after a particularly fierce battle near Ladysmith. Von Goldeck wrote about sitting around a fire with Boer commandos, sharing stories and reflecting on their cause. He described the scene vividly: “We sat in silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound. One of the Boers pulled out an old violin, and soon the night was filled with music. It was a moment of peace amidst the chaos of war—a reminder of what we were fighting for.”
These moments of reflection were rare, as von Goldeck’s letters often focused on the constant movement and tension of guerrilla warfare. In another letter, he described how his unit narrowly avoided a British ambush: “We were travelling through a narrow pass when we heard the distant sound of gunfire. The Boers immediately took cover, vanishing into the rocks like they were part of the earth itself. We waited for hours, watching as a British patrol moved through the pass, completely unaware of our presence.”
Von Goldeck’s stories of the Boer fighters painted them as resourceful and courageous, and his letters helped to shape the way Austrians saw the war. For many in Austria, von Goldeck became a national hero, admired not only for his bravery but for his commitment to a cause that resonated with Austria’s own desires for national self-determination. His letters were eagerly read, and he became a figure of fascination, often referenced in conversations and discussions about the war.
Austria’s Nationalist Feelings and the Austro-Hungarian Empire
At the turn of the 20th century, Austria was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but many Austrians were increasingly identifying with nationalist movements that sought greater autonomy. The Boer War provided an opportunity for Austrians to express their frustrations with imperialism, both British and their own. Nationalist leaders like Karl Lueger tapped into this sentiment, using the war as a way to advocate for Austrian independence. In a speech on April 10, 1901, Lueger stated: “The Boers are fighting not only against British imperialism but for the rights of all nations who seek freedom from oppression. Their struggle is our struggle.”
Von Goldeck’s stories from the front lines served as a rallying point for these nationalist feelings. His tales of adventure, bravery, and tactical victories were not just stories of war—they were stories of a small nation fighting for its right to exist, a cause that many Austrians related to deeply. His letters inspired a sense of pride and determination in the Austrian people, who saw the Boers as a reflection of their own desire for national sovereignty.
Lessons from the Boers and Nationalism
In the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War, South Africa stood at a crossroads. Two distinct paths for nationalism emerged, each representing divergent ideals. One was championed by Jan Smuts and Louis Botha, while the other, later embodied by Hertzog, Christian de Wet, and others, formed the National Party. Both movements sought to harness the power of nationalism, but their interpretations led to vastly different outcomes.
The path taken by Hertzog and the National Party ultimately used nationalism as a tool for segregation and oppression, laying the foundation for apartheid. This ideology mirrored the oppression the Boers had once faced, as it sought to secure freedom and privilege for one group by denying those same rights to others. The paradox of this vision was that in striving to protect their own, they isolated themselves and inflicted the same injustices they had fought against.
In contrast, the vision of Smuts and Botha sought to use nationalism as a foundation for inclusivity. They believed that the freedom won through the sacrifices of the Boer War should not be limited to the Boers alone but extended to all South Africans, regardless of race. Their dream was to forge a new South African identity, one that recognised the Boer as strongest when integrated within the global economy and open to participation from all communities.
These two roads reflect the broader lessons of nationalism. One path, rooted in fear and exclusivity, leads to isolation, poverty, and division. The other, driven by inclusivity and participation, can result in economic strength, unity, and prosperity.
When the Austrians supported the Boers, they did so under the leadership of Botha. Botha’s vision was not one of isolation or apartheid but of inclusivity and freedom for all South Africans. This distinction is critical. The lessons from South Africa’s history remind us that not all nationalisms are the same. Destructive nationalism isolates and oppresses, while enlightened nationalism extends the freedoms and rights it seeks for itself to others.
The Austrian people’s support for the Boers during the war should not just be remembered for its general backing of the cause but also for the implicit endorsement of Botha’s more inclusive vision. Their support was for a future where freedom and humanity were shared, not hoarded. The challenge lies in recognizing that the road of inclusivity, though more difficult and demanding of courage, imagination, and creativity, aligns with the true spirit of nationalism—a spirit that seeks not only its own dignity but that of others.
Conclusion
The Austrian support for the Boers during the Anglo-Boer War stands as a testament to shared values and the fight for freedom. However, as South Africa’s post-war history unfolded, nationalism became a double-edged sword. In one instance, it fueled apartheid, a system of exclusion and oppression. In another, it aspired to bring all South Africans together under a banner of shared rights and participation.
The Austrian solidarity was strongest for the Boers, who followed the inclusive path laid out by Botha and Smuts. This serves as a reminder that the true strength of nationalism lies not in isolation but in inclusivity. The lessons from South Africa should not be forgotten, for they reflect the broader truth that the future is brighter when freedom, humanity, and dignity are extended to all, not just a select few. Let history guide us as we face the challenges of nationalism in our own time.
References
1. EarthwormExpress. “From Frankfurter to Burenwurst and Russian: A Comprehensive Culinary and Historical Study.” EarthwormExpress, accessed October 2024.
2. Van Tonder, Eben. “The History of Russian Sausages in South Africa and their Connection to the Burenwurst.” EarthwormExpress, accessed October 2024.
3. Von Goldeck, Baron. Correspondence Regarding Austrian Support for the Boers. National Archives of Austria, Vienna, 1901.
4. Austrian Historical Society. The Cultural Impact of the Anglo-Boer War in Austria: Public and Political Responses. Vienna, 1902.
5. Ochs, Werner. Nationalism and Culinary Traditions: The Symbolism of Food in Austro-Boer Relations. Vienna University Press, 1910.
6. Stueckler, Maria. “Solidarity in Nationalist Austria: Public Movements during the Anglo-Boer War.” Journal of European Nationalism Studies, 1999.
7. Die Presse, editorial, April 2, 1900.
8. Neues Wiener Journal, May 5, 1900.
9. Wiener Zeitung, letters from Baron Anton von Goldeck, August 15, 1900
10. Lueger, Karl. Speech, April 10, 1901, Vienna.