Cetshwayo's Capture by British Forces
August 28th, 1879
August 28th, 1879

How Long Ago?
145 years, 6 months, 15 days ago
Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Anglo-Zulu War
People
- Lord Chelmsford
- Henry Pulleine
- Cetshwayo kaMpande
Links & References
Tags
Cetshwayo's Capture by British Forces
Cetshwayo kaMpande, the last king of the Zulus, was captured by British forces at the conclusion of the Anglo-Zulu War. After a protracted conflict and significant battles, he was found near the border of Natal and was taken into custody, marking a critical moment in the British colonial expansion in Southern Africa. This capture initiated a series of political changes affecting the Zulu kingdom.
Cetshwayo was the last king of the Zulus.
The Zulu kingdom was weakened after his capture.
Captured after the battle of Ulundi.
His capture ended the Anglo-Zulu War.
What Happened?
The Anglo-Zulu War, which erupted in 1879, was a conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. It stemmed from British colonial interests in Southern Africa, particularly in the region now known as KwaZulu-Natal. The war was sparked by rising tensions over land and sovereignty, leading to a full-scale invasion by British troops. Significant battles such as Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift highlighted the military prowess of the Zulus but ultimately culminated in British superiority in terms of resources and technology.
Cetshwayo kaMpande was the ruler of the Zulu Kingdom and played a pivotal role in resisting British advances. His capture on August 28, 1879, followed the British victory at Ulundi, where the Zulus suffered a decisive defeat. Following his capture, Cetshwayo was exiled and the Zulu kingdom was eventually divided into smaller chieftaincies, severely weakening Zulu political structure and autonomy.
The consequences of Cetshwayo's capture had long-lasting effects on both the Zulu people and British colonial policy in the region. The disintegration of Zulu sovereignty marked a significant point in the colonial history of Southern Africa, impacting indigenous governance and cultural traditions.
Why Does it Matter?
The capture of Cetshwayo is significant as it led to the dismantling of the Zulu kingdom's political power and altered the landscape of Southern Africa's tribal structure. With the Zulu leadership undermined, British colonial authorities could impose their rule more easily. The event reflects the broader narratives of colonialism, indigenous resistance, and the consequences of imperial expansion.
Discover More Historic Events from August 28th
Fatal Shooting Outside Phoenix Hotel
A man opened fire on pedestrians outside a hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, resulting in the deaths of three people, including the shooter. This incident unfolded in the early evening and left the local community in shock. Witnesses described the chaos as people ran for safety and law enforcement quickly responded to the scene. The identity of the shooter and victims were released soon after, with investigations underway to determine what led to this violent event.
Continue ReadingTroop Withdrawal Ends Doklam Standoff
In August 2017, China and India withdrew troops from Doklam, resolving a two-month-long confrontation over China's construction of a road in disputed territory near Bhutan. The standoff began when Indian troops intervened to prevent Chinese military activity. Both nations felt the need to de-escalate tensions amid diplomatic discussions and global scrutiny, leading to a mutual decision to pull back their forces.
Continue ReadingISRO's Successful Scramjet Engine Test
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted its first experimental mission of a scramjet engine successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. This mission aimed to evaluate air-breathing propulsion technology, which uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, potentially offering significant benefits in terms of efficiency for future space vehicles. The scramjet engine was tested at an altitude of around 6 km, marking a critical milestone in India's space program.
Continue ReadingNASA's Space Shuttle Discovery Launches STS-128
NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off on mission STS-128, marking another significant milestone in the assembly and operation of the International Space Station (ISS). The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission's primary objectives included delivering supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS, as well as bringing back the previous crew. STS-128 was notably the first shuttle mission to utilize the new advanced equipment designed for greater efficiency in space operations.
Continue ReadingBrian Wells Involved in Bizarre Crime Plot
Brian Wells, a pizza delivery man from Erie, Pennsylvania, was killed in an intricate scheme that entangled him in a bank heist, a scavenger hunt, and a homemade bomb. After being forced to comply with a group of criminals, he attempted to rob a local bank but was apprehended by law enforcement. With a bomb collar strapped around his neck, Wells claimed he was part of a larger plot as he awaited help from the authorities. Tragically, the device exploded before he could be rescued, leading to a complex investigation.
Continue ReadingCompletion of Soyuz TM-29 Mission to Mir
The Soyuz TM-29 mission successfully concluded, marking the end of nearly a decade of continuous human occupation aboard the Mir space station. This event was significant as it signified the station's dwindling operational lifespan and foreshadowed its eventual decommissioning. The crew played crucial roles in numerous scientific experiments and international cooperation in space exploration. After executing its role in a collaborative effort of space research, the mission safely returned its crew to Earth.
Continue Reading