<P> The Boers of the frontier were known for their independent spirit, resourcefulness, hardiness, and self - sufficiency, whose political notions verged on anarchy but had begun to be influenced by republicanism . Most of the men were also skilled with the use of guns as they would hunt and also were able to protect their families with them . </P> <P> The Boers had cut their ties to Europe as they emerged from the Trekboer group . </P> <P> The Boers possessed a distinct Calvinist culture and the majority of Boers and their descendants were members of a Reformed Church . The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk was the national Church of the South African Republic (1852--1902). The "Orange" in Orange Free State (1854--1902) was named after the Protestant House of Orange in the Netherlands . </P> <P> The Calvinist influence, in such fundamental Calvinist doctrines such as unconditional predestination and divine providence, remains present in much of Boer culture, who see their role in society as abiding by the national laws and accepting calamity and hardship as part of their Christian duty . </P>

Who were the boers and whom did they fight