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?

Question

a. Dividing Zulu lands led to a single chief being appointed by the British to rule.
b. Dividing the Zulu lands separated their societies and economies.
c. Dividing Zulu lands destroyed the productivity of their agriculture.
d. Dividing Zulu land led to British victory at the Battle of Kambula.

Answer 1

Historians could analyze the division of Zulu lands as a reason for lasting British victory in the Zulu Wars primarily through option b: Dividing the Zulu lands separated their societies and economies.

This division disrupted traditional social structures and unity among the Zulu people, weakening their ability to organize a cohesive resistance against British forces. By splitting the territories, the British could undermine communal solidarity and resource sharing, making it more challenging for the Zulu to mount an effective defense or counter-strategy against colonial forces. Fragmentation of societies often leads to diminished morale and cohesion, which are critical in warfare, thus facilitating British military success and control over the region.