On this day 132 years ago, Lord Chelmsford of Great Britain invaded Zululand with 16,000 troops, initiating the Anglo-Zulu War. It last from January to July of 1879. The first invasion attempt failed, however, and by April, the British had to call for additional reinforcements.
The war was started based on border disputes between the Zulu tribe and Boer settlers. The British got involved to protect their colonial assets, and naturally, saw it as an opportunity to expand. The war resulted in the end of Zulu dominance in the region, their former empire being incorporated into the new colony of South Africa.
