Anglo-Zulu War

Quick Facts: Who was Anglo-Zulu War?

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Anglo-Zulu War

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A 1879 conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom over regional dominance.

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Origins & Early Life

The Anglo-Zulu War, or simply the Zulu War, was fought in present-day South Africa from January to early July 1879 between forces of the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Two famous battles of the war were the Zulu victory at Isandlwana and the British defence at Rorke's Drift. Following the passing of the British North America Act 1867 forming a federation in Canada, Lord Carnarvon thought that a similar political effort, coupled with military campaigns, might lead to a ruling white minority over a black majority in South Africa. This would yield a large pool of cheap labour for the British sugar plantations and mines, and was intended to bring the African Kingdoms, tribal areas, and Boer republics into South Africa. In 1874, Sir Bartle Frere was appointed as British High Commissioner for Southern Africa to effect such plans.

Career & Major Achievements

Among the obstacles were the armed independent states of the South African Republic and the Zulu Kingdom. Frere, on his own initiative, sent a provocative ultimatum on 11 December 1878 to Zulu King Cetshwayo. Upon its rejection, he ordered Lord Chelmsford to invade Zululand. The war had several particularly bloody battles, including an opening victory for the Zulu at the Battle of Isandlwana, followed by the defence of Rorke's Drift by a small British Garrison from an attack by a large Zulu force. However, the British eventually gained the upper hand at Kambula, before taking the Zulu capital of Ulundi.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The British eventually won the war, ending Zulu dominance of the region. The British Empire made the Zulu Kingdom a protectorate and later annexed it in 1887. The war dispelled prior colonial notions of British invincibility, due to their massive early defeats. Together with famines, diplomatic misadventures, and other unpopular wars overseas (such as the Second Anglo-Afghan War), it contributed to the ejection of Benjamin Disraeli's government from office in 1880, after only one term. By the 1850s, the British Empire had colonies in southern Africa bordering on various Boer settlements, native African kingdoms such as the Zulus and the Basotho and numerous indigenous tribal areas and states.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1867: 1867 Milestone — Following the passing of the British North America Act 1867 forming a federation in Canada, Lord Carnarvon thought that a similar political effort, coupled with military campaigns, might lead to a ruling white minority over a black majority in South Africa.
2. 1874: 1874 Milestone — In 1874, Sir Bartle Frere was appointed as British High Commissioner for Southern Africa to effect such plans.
3. 1878: 1878 Milestone — Frere, on his own initiative, sent a provocative ultimatum on 11 December 1878 to Zulu King Cetshwayo.
4. 1879: 1879 Milestone — The Anglo-Zulu War, or simply the Zulu War, was fought in present-day South Africa from January to early July 1879 between forces of the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom.
5. 1880: 1880 Milestone — Together with famines, diplomatic misadventures, and other unpopular wars overseas (such as the Second Anglo-Afghan War), it contributed to the ejection of Benjamin Disraeli's government from office in 1880, after only one term.
6. 1887: 1887 Milestone — The British Empire made the Zulu Kingdom a protectorate and later annexed it in 1887.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Anglo-Zulu War

True or False: “The Anglo-Zulu War was primarily fought to establish a unified, self-governing federation of all South African peoples.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The war's goal for the British was to enforce a ruling white minority over the black majority, not necessarily to create an immediate federation.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Anglo-Zulu War