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The Unexploded Boer: The Life and Legacy of Erich Rautenbach

Chadwick Powell

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Erich Rautenbach was an eccentric and enigmatic figure in South African history. Born in the Transvaal Republic in 1870, he fought against the British in the Anglo-Boer War and became a leading proponent of Afrikaner nationalism.

The Unexploded Boer

by Erich Rautenbach

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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After the war, Rautenbach lived in exile in the United States, where he became a vocal supporter of the Ku Klux Klan. He also wrote several books and articles in which he expounded his views on white supremacy and racial segregation.

In 1925, Rautenbach returned to South Africa and established a community in the Transvaal called Vlaklaagte. Vlaklaagte was a self-sufficient community that was based on the principles of white supremacy and racial segregation.

Rautenbach died in 1956, but his legacy continues to be debated today. Some see him as a hero who fought for the rights of the Afrikaner people, while others see him as a racist and bigot.

Early Life and Education

Erich Rautenbach was born on March 17, 1870, in the Transvaal Republic. His father was a German immigrant and his mother was a Boer woman. Rautenbach grew up in a devoutly religious family and was educated at home.

As a young man, Rautenbach was a gifted athlete and scholar. He was also a skilled musician and artist.

Anglo-Boer War

In 1899, the Anglo-Boer War broke out. Rautenbach joined the Boer forces and fought against the British.

Rautenbach was a brave and skilled soldier. He was wounded several times during the war, but he continued to fight until the end.

The Boer War ended in 1902 with the defeat of the Boers. Rautenbach was one of the last Boer soldiers to surrender.

Exile in the United States

After the war, Rautenbach went into exile in the United States. He settled in New York City, where he worked as a journalist and writer.

In the United States, Rautenbach became involved with the Ku Klux Klan. He wrote several articles in support of the Klan, and he even became a member of the organization.

Rautenbach's association with the Klan damaged his reputation in the United States. He was eventually forced to leave the country.

Return to South Africa

In 1925, Rautenbach returned to South Africa. He established a community in the Transvaal called Vlaklaagte.

Vlaklaagte was a self-sufficient community that was based on the principles of white supremacy and racial segregation. The community had its own school, church, and hospital.

Rautenbach ruled Vlaklaagte with an iron fist. He was a strict disciplinarian who enforced the laws of the community with severity.

Death and Legacy

Erich Rautenbach died on May 11, 1956, at the age of 86. He was buried in Vlaklaagte next to his wife.

Rautenbach's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a brave and skilled soldier who fought for the rights of the Afrikaner people. However, he was also a racist and bigot who advocated for white supremacy and racial segregation.

Today, Vlaklaagte is still a thriving community. The principles of white supremacy and racial segregation that Rautenbach instilled in the community continue to be upheld by its residents.

Erich Rautenbach was a complex and enigmatic figure in South African history. He was a brave and skilled soldier who fought for the rights of the Afrikaner people. However, he was also a racist and bigot who advocated for white supremacy and racial segregation.

Rautenbach's legacy continues to be debated today. Some see him as a hero who fought for the rights of the Afrikaner people, while others see him as a racist and bigot.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they view Erich Rautenbach. Was he a hero or a villain? Only time will tell.

The Unexploded Boer

by Erich Rautenbach

4.7 out of 5