A really useful summary can be read here - http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/governence-projects/anglo-boer-wars/anglo-boer-war2i.htm
Some key events...
the Witwatersrand Gold Rush - http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/library-resources/online%20books/all-that-glitters/the-glitter-of-gold.htm
the Uitlander Franchise -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uitlander
The Jameson Raid - http://www.angloboerwar.com/other-information/87-jameson-raid/1754-the-jameson-raid
