Reasons for war

Posts : 30 Join date : 2009-09-29

Is there any evidence to suggest that ordinary soldiers shared the semi-official view of the need for war to protect defenceless Zulu women? I seem to recall that many were shocked by Cetewayo's 'murder' of his own mother.

Subject: reasons for war Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:31 pm

hi prm502.
No , I cant say I have ever heard or read anything concerning the protection of " defenceless zulu women "
cheers 90th.

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

When Cetewayo was in full power he was cruel man living the old ways of the Zulu order. I have seen a book on the web that tells of the way Cetewayo treated his people. I think the whole world thought the way of the Zulu was barbaric. Zulu women had a real bad time, under his rule not much better today by all accounts. The British were civilised, and had no real understanding of the Zulu ways, but I guess anyone who witness what was going on would certainly not have approved.

G.

Subject: Re: Reasons for war Sat Dec 12, 2009 1:21 pm

Sir Henry Bartle Frere, I believe included the following incident in his ultimatum.

(1) Surrender of Sihayo’s three sons and brother to be tried by the Natal courts.

1878, a force of Zulus led by sons of an important chief called Sihayo crossed into the British Colony of Natal to recapture two runaway wives of the chief. The two women were caught and on their return to Zululand were put to death. Frere demanded that those who had invaded British territory and "kidnapped" the two women from British protection should be handed over to the authorities for punishment.