---
title: "Anglo-Zulu War — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 was a conflict that ended Zulu independence, marking a significant advance in British dominance in southern Africa."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/anglo-zulu-war"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 was a conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom that ended Zulu independence and advanced British supremacy in southern Africa.
- What was the immediate cause of the Anglo-Zulu War?
- Why is the Battle of Isandlwana historically significant?
- How did the Anglo-Zulu War connect to British imperial policy?
- What were the consequences of the war for the Zulu Kingdom?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 was a conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom that ended Zulu independence and advanced British supremacy in southern Africa.

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## Timeline

1. 22 January 1879

   On the Zulu army inflicted a catastrophic defeat on British forces at Isandlwana, where roughly 20,000 Zulu warriors overwhelmed a divided British column, k…

2. 4 July 1879

   After reinforcement, the British prosecuted a second invasion, culminating in the decisive defeat of the Zulu at the Battle of Ulundi on , where the British…

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Example

In January 1879, the Zulu army under King Cetshwayo destroyed a British column at Isandlwana, inflicting roughly 1,300 casualties — the worst defeat of the campaign before Britain's decisive victory at Ulundi in July 1879.

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