Read this quote from the section: "In 1879 colonial authorities divided Zulu lands into 13 territories." How could historians analyze this as a reason for lasting British victory in the Zulu Wars? (1 point)

1 answer

Historians could analyze the division of Zulu lands into 13 territories as a reason for lasting British victory in the Zulu Wars by considering the political and military implications of this colonial action.

1) Political control: The division of Zulu lands would have weakened the overall political cohesion and unity of the Zulu kingdom. By dividing their territories, the British colonial authorities effectively fragmented the Zulu state, making it harder for them to mobilize their forces and mount a united resistance against the British. This fragmentation weakened the Zulu leadership and their ability to coordinate and strategize effectively.

2) Military advantage: The division of Zulu lands also made it easier for the British to conquer and control different territories one by one. They could focus their military presence on individual territories, overwhelming each one with their superior weaponry, tactics, and training. The Zulu forces, on the other hand, would have found it difficult to defend or support each of the divided territories individually, leading to their eventual defeat and the success of the British.

Overall, the division of Zulu lands into multiple territories allowed the British colonial authorities to undermine the political unity and military strength of the Zulu kingdom, paving the way for their lasting victory in the Zulu Wars.