Why was the boer war called total war?

The Boer War (1899-1902) was termed a "total war" because it involved not just military engagement but also the targeting of civilian infrastructure and resources to diminish the Boer republics' ability to sustain the conflict. British forces employed scorched earth tactics, destroying farms and livestock while also establishing concentration camps for Boer civilians. This approach aimed to break the will of the Boer fighters by undermining their support and resources, marking a shift in warfare strategies of the time. The war's extensive impact on the civilian population and the economy exemplified the total war concept.