Anglo-Zulu War

High Commissioner Bartle Frere regarded the independent Zulu kingdom and its army as potential threats to Natal and obstacles to a British-led confederation in southern Africa. A commission investigating the disputed Transvaal–Zulu border had largely supported the Zulu claim, although Frere allowed Boer occupants to remain on the land.

Relations worsened after sons and a brother of the Zulu chief Sihayo crossed into Natal in July 1878, forcibly returned two women to Zululand and killed them. Natal demanded that the offenders be surrendered; Cetshwayo offered compensation rather than hand them over. A separate raid by Mbilini into the Transvaal killed African residents and took cattle. These were serious incidents, although responsibility and Cetshwayo's ability to surrender the perpetrators differed in each case.

On 11 December, Frere presented a Zulu delegation with an ultimatum. It demanded redress for the incidents, including surrender of offenders and a cattle fine, but also required acceptance of a British resident and major changes to marriage practices and the amabutho military system. Frere described the package as necessary for lasting security. Many historians conclude that the political demands made compliance unlikely. The ultimatum was issued without prior approval from London; when its deadline expired, British columns invaded in January 1879.

Zulu forces destroyed the central British column at Isandlwana, while defenders at Rorke's Drift held their post. Cetshwayo made peace overtures as British reinforcements arrived, but agreement was not reached and his envoys were turned away shortly before the final advance. Britain defeated the main Zulu army at Ulundi in July and captured Cetshwayo. Officials divided the kingdom among appointed chiefs, producing further conflict.

Significance

Despite the Zulu victory at Isandlwana, Britain's reinforced army defeated Cetshwayo's forces at Ulundi and dismantled the kingdom's independent political and military power.