Isandlwana: What Caused One of the Colonial Age's Worst Defeats for Britain?

Isandlwana, the site of one of the British Empire's most humiliating defeats, occurred on January 22, 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War. Despite outnumbering the Zulu forces, the British army, led by Lord Chelmsford, suffered a devastating loss due to several critical factors. The Zulu employed innovative tactics, including the "buffalo horn" formation, which allowed them to encircle and overwhelm the British troops. The British underestimated the Zulu's military capabilities and failed to adapt to their tactics. Compounding these issues, the British supply lines were poorly managed, leading to a shortage of ammunition during the battle. The combination of these factors resulted in a resounding Zulu victory and a lasting stain on British imperial history.