Chapter 8 – Resisting British control in South Africa
Britain
Holland
in 1806 took control of the Cape from:
Later in the century that followed, Britain expanded its control over the entire SA.
This does not happen easily as a result of people who get involved in wars
and resistance to British rule.
For example:
1. The Zulus in 1879 fought against the British invasion of Zululand and
this was the 1st battle won in the Anglo-Boer War.
2. Die The farmers also opposed British rule during the South African War (also known as the
Anglo-Boer War / the 2nd World War)
2.1
This war lasted for 3 years, and lives of the entire South African population were
affected.
British troops occupied
Bloemfontein on 13 March 1900.
The English in Bloemfontein.
a Boer concentration camp ...
Zulus fight against British troops
Page 1 of 4
Unit 8.1 – Zulu resistance:
What happened at the Field of Battle of Isandhlwana?
Britain took control of the Cape in the 19th century (1800s), away from the Netherlands.
(That colony was not as big as today's Western Cape).
•
•
•
•
•
But many people have fought to defend their land and their independence:
Gcaleka-Xhosas
Griquas
Pedi’s – Leader: Sekhukhune
Basutu
Zulu
Ouch!
&%#@
The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879
Cetshwayo, c. 1875
War between British and Zulu.
One of the best known examples of resistance.
Zululand was a large, independent kingdom ruled by
King Cetshwayo.
Britain wanted control of the ENTIRE SOUTH AFRICA!
Britain accused King Cetshwayo that he wanted to start a war, and
THAT reason they used to invade Zululand.
Soon after British soldiers invaded Zululand, the Zulus won a victory in an important battle.
The Zulus defeated British troops at the Battle of Isandhlwana!
British and Zulu soldiers fighting in
Isandhlwana:
It was Britain's biggest defeat of all
the colonial wars.
The news shocked Britain.
They expected the British army, who
had better weapons, would win
easily.
Page 2 of 4
What happened at the Battle of Isandhlwana?
1.
2.
3.
4.
British army has crossed the border of Zululand and camped.
This place was at the foot of a hill called Isandhlwana.
Britain thought the hill would protect them with good visibility, etc..
Britain thought that it was not necessary to do the following: (for protection)
a. digging trenches
b. Forming a laager / wagon fort (a circle formed by wagons)
5. British troops were later divided into 2 - 1 stay behind at Isandhlwana & rest continued towards
the Zulus.
Source A - D
Source E - I
Page. 123
Page. 124
6. The British General did not realize that the Zulu army WAS NOT in front of them!
a. the Zulus actually hid very close to Isandhlwana.
7. The Zulus attacked the British army at their camp:
a. Only British survivors were those who could escape and move in the direction of the
Natal colony border.
The reports of eyewitnesses:
British troops at Isandhlwana
involved
imperial troops
Most foot soldiers (infantrie)
Natal colonial volunteers
Mostly riders on horses
Natal Native section
Many were armed only with spears
Other
Scouts, wagon drivers, interpreters,
etc..
TOTAAL
Survived
719
35
89
28
1 048
316
60
3
1 916
382
Page 3 of 4
How did the Anglo-Zulu War end?
•
•
•
•
The Zulu victory at Isandhlwana helped them retain their independence, for a bit little longer.
But more British troops were sent to Zululand and the Zulus were defeated at the Field of Battle
of Ulundi.
Cetshwayo was sent into exile and Zululand was divided into 13 small kingdoms.
Britain took over the whole kingdom within a few years and it became part of the colony of
Natal.
Draw below your best illustration of the Zulus during the Anglo-Zulu War against the British:
Page 4 of 4