Anglo-Zulu War began on January 11, 1879, marked by British troops invading Zululand.
Conflict arose after the Zulu kingdom ignored British demands to demilitarize.
British Ultimatum: Zulu kingdom had 30 days to disband their military forces.
Historical Context
1838: Boers (Afrikaners) conflicted with Zulus under King Dingane.
1840: Dingane was overthrown by the Boers, replaced by his son Mpande.
1843: Britain took control of Natal and subsequently Zululand from the Boers.
1872: King Mpande died, succeeded by his son Cetshwayo.
Lead-Up to the War
Cetshwayo was against European dominance and rejected British demands in December 1878.
British forces, led by Lord Chelmsford, invaded to suppress Zulu resistance.
Key Battles
Isandlwana (January 1879): Major British defeat with 1,300 casualties.
Hlobane Mountain: Another significant defeat for the British.
Khambula (March 29, 1879): British turned the tide, winning this battle.
Ulundi (July 1879): Final battle where British forces decisively defeated the Zulus.
Aftermath
Zulu forces were compelled to surrender.
1887: Britain formally annexed Zululand.
1897: Zululand became part of Natal, which joined the Union of South Africa in 1910.
Notable Historical Figures
Lord Chelmsford: British military commander of the invasion.
King Cetshwayo: Zulu king who resisted British demands.
Conclusion
The Anglo-Zulu War is a significant historical conflict illustrating colonial tensions and the resistance of indigenous forces against European imperialism.
The conflict ended with Zulu annexation and contributed to the formation of modern South Africa.
Sources
History.com Editors: Article provided by History.com and regularly updated by their editorial team.