The Battle of Isandlwana
The Battle of Isandlwana
Megan Dunsdon & S’duduzo Ngubane
Examine the events that lead up to the Battle of Isandlwana and its subsequent consequences and highlight why you think that the Battlefield of Isandlwana is an important heritage site.
The Battle of Isandlwana was the first of six battles during the Anglo-Zulu War between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. This battle took place at Isandlwana in South Africa on the 22nd of January 1879. The Battle of Isandlwana had major consequences for both the British and the Zulus that lead to the making of one of South Africa’s most important heritage sites; the Battlefield of Isandlwana.
The British decided to form a Federation of South African colonies for uncomplicated administration. They not only desired this, but also hoped to expand into Central Africa and they assumed that Natal and the Transvaal would support these wishes. Their work was cut out for them, as the Zulu power was at its height and their kingdom blocked the British expansion to the North. All these desires to end the military strength of the Zulu Kingdom, lead to plans for war.
Eventually the British presented the Zulus with an ultimatum on the banks of the Tugela River, under the ‘ultimatum tree’. This ultimatum was presented on the 11th of December 1878 and gave the Zulu’s thirty days to disassemble their military system and forfeit their independence. The ultimatum expired on the 10th of January 1879, as the Zulus could not meet these demands. A day later, the British, as commanded by Lord Chelmsford, invaded Zululand.
Lord Chelmsford was appointed the new Officer commanding the British forces in South Africa. The Lord was a favorite of the Queen herself, yet he had insignificant appreciation for the fighting standards of the Zulus.
The Zulus spent approximately three to four days spiritually purifying themselves of any evil spirits, this was due to their belief that by killing another person, an evil spirit force would
Megan Dunsdon & S’duduzo Ngubane
Examine the events that lead up to the Battle of Isandlwana and its subsequent consequences and highlight why you think that the Battlefield of Isandlwana is an important heritage site.
The Battle of Isandlwana was the first of six battles during the Anglo-Zulu War between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. This battle took place at Isandlwana in South Africa on the 22nd of January 1879. The Battle of Isandlwana had major consequences for both the British and the Zulus that lead to the making of one of South Africa’s most important heritage sites; the Battlefield of Isandlwana.
The British decided to form a Federation of South African colonies for uncomplicated administration. They not only desired this, but also hoped to expand into Central Africa and they assumed that Natal and the Transvaal would support these wishes. Their work was cut out for them, as the Zulu power was at its height and their kingdom blocked the British expansion to the North. All these desires to end the military strength of the Zulu Kingdom, lead to plans for war.
Eventually the British presented the Zulus with an ultimatum on the banks of the Tugela River, under the ‘ultimatum tree’. This ultimatum was presented on the 11th of December 1878 and gave the Zulu’s thirty days to disassemble their military system and forfeit their independence. The ultimatum expired on the 10th of January 1879, as the Zulus could not meet these demands. A day later, the British, as commanded by Lord Chelmsford, invaded Zululand.
Lord Chelmsford was appointed the new Officer commanding the British forces in South Africa. The Lord was a favorite of the Queen herself, yet he had insignificant appreciation for the fighting standards of the Zulus.
The Zulus spent approximately three to four days spiritually purifying themselves of any evil spirits, this was due to their belief that by killing another person, an evil spirit force would