1st and 2nd Invasion into Zululand.

Like most wars, was there an expected time to how long the Zulu War would last? Bearing in mind the superior weaponry held by the British. It was said that the Zulu’s only had Spears and Shields; of course we know they also had firearms.

Apart from the un-suspected defeat at Isandlwana, what other implications did the British encounter. And was it due to the lack of intelligence and the failure to listen to those that knew the Zulu ways.

Before the second invasion started, I believe the British had learnt their lesson, But do other members agree that there would not have been the need for the second invasion if it had been right the first time.

Good Question.

Quote :

How long the Zulu War would last?

As shown on the home page.
"Lord Chelmsford invaded Zululand without the knowledge of the British Government in the hope that he could Capture Cetshwayo, the Zulu King, before London discovered that hostilities had begun." That's tells us what was on Chelmsford mind at the time.

It was expected that the Zulu War would progress in the characteristic of frequent colonial wars in Africa, namely that comparatively small bodies of professional European troops armed with contemporary firearms and artillery, supplemented by local allies, would march out to meet the natives whose raggedy, badly equipped armies would put up a brave resistance, but in the end would yield to professional soldiers wielding massed fire-power. Locals such as (Paul Kruger) who from personal familiarity had great respect for the military competence of the Zulus sounded the need for caution, and in particular strong defence tactics such as focussing fire-power from fortified strongpoint such as wagons drawn into a circle (laagers) as the Boers had done at The Battle of Blood River. However, the advice was ignored and on 22 January 1879 as we know the British lost more than 1,600 soldiers when a Zulu attack caught them in the open at the Battle of Isandhlwana.

After which the British mission at Rorke's Drift on the Zululand-Natal border, withstood a second Zulu assault with enormous losses to the Zulus with the British fighting defensively in and around the buildings of a small trading store which had been hurriedly fortified. After reinforcements arrived, the British won a series of encounters and conquered the Zulu capital at Ulundi by July. This war indicated the end of the self-supporting Zulu nation. The British unite their powers over Natal, the Zulu kingdom and the Transvaal in 1879.

S.D