The South African War: Source 4a

Look at Source 4a.

Original caption: ‘Photograph of crowds outside Mansion House on 19th May, 1900. Lombard Street in the background and portrait of Baden-Powell’. Catalogue ref: COPY 1/446/304

This photograph was taken in London after the siege of Mafeking was lifted in May 1900. You can spot left of centre, someone holding the portrait of Robert Baden-Powell.

  • How would you describe the scene shown in the photograph?
  • Why do you think people in Britain celebrated in this way when Mafeking was relieved?
  • How does the photograph suggest that Robert Baden-Powell was seen as a national hero?