This new discovery, for the first time, made it economically desirable that the Transvaal be drawn into the British Empire. By the end of the century, Southern Africa had become, for the first time, a significant contributor to the world economy. The new wealth of the Transvaal gave the Boers more passion for independent governance and their own economic freedom. The Boers tried to secure their own economic footholds by searching for an outlet to the sea. The establishment of the mine's also resulted in the completion of a railway from the Rand to the coast. Because there was a transfer of economic power from the Cape to the Transvaal, there was a shift in population of Englishmen to the Rand. .
Imperialist felt threatened that the union under the Transvaal of both English and Boer would not be under their control or part of the empire. Many imperialists were disdained over the loss of Britain's direct political and economic links. During this decade a belief in the tightening of ties between Britain and her colonies of white settlement was widely favored as one of ensuring Britain's survival as a great power. In their eyes an independent English-speaking South Africa would be intolerable. It would, according to some imperialist, bring economic weakness, grave strategic vulnerability, and encouragement for other colonial separatist movements in other parts of the empire. England's loss would be her rivals' gain. .
International competition and the partition of Africa into European colonies and spheres of influence had not passed southern Africa by. Germany and France had territories in South-West Africa and Madagascar. They along with other great powers, were anxious to not only profit from the economic boom in the republic but also hoped the opportunity of possibly putting pressure on Britain. Transvaal's ambition for self-rule, foreign presence and support created heated arguments for the strong supporters of imperialism in England.