Inevitable?

Posts : 13 Join date : 2020-07-14

I know this is a 'What if' question but I'd genuinely be interested in your thoughts.

Even without the machinations of Sir Henry Bartle Frere, was a Zulu/British conflict somewhat inevitable, a war just waiting to happen?

Or given the politics and conditions of the time could such an open war with the Zulu nation have been avoided?

Crimea

Subject: Re: Inevitable? Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:54 am

A minor altercation with a couple of land surveyors, a dutiful son respecting his father and a war started.
There is a wonderful old Zulu saying about inevitability.
"Ukuqhuma komoya kuyinto Love elindele ukwenzeka"
Loose translation : A fart is a S**T waiting to happen.
Frank

Posts : 13 Join date : 2020-07-14

So......your answer is....? LOL Wink

Subject: Re: Inevitable? Thu Jul 23, 2020 11:24 am

It was always going to happen.
Boers encroaching to the West, Shepstone and Frere with the grand confederation dream, and the problems with the miners from Mozambique not being allowed to cross over Zululand. Add that to the fears of an invasion from south of the Tugela and you have the 'wait for an excuse, any excuse' scenario.

Posts : 13 Join date : 2020-07-14

Yes Frank, given the situations at the time, I believe it was a 'bomb just waiting to explode'!

Although I much prefer your Zulu saying! Very Happy

Crimea

Posts : 18 Join date : 2015-08-07

...agree it was going to happen if the British Empire could not control in the region. Post Crimea and threats from a Russian bear growling and showing his claws towards the east was a concern. To add, 1861 was the end of sail and steam became the new form of motion. The most efficient energy form at the time was coal. Due to the limited source of coal, and a huge Navy to support, strategic positions called coal stations started to play an important part. Looking at the map of southern Africa at the time it appeared that not all was painted pink...so the region had to be secured. Annex the Boer, and squash a Zulu who, after forming an alliance in '73, did not want to co-operate. This then led to that the Zulu was drawn into the "great game"...the Russians are coming.