Battle of Blood River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Blood River
Part of the Great Trek
Entrance to the Battle of Blood River Monument in Kwazulu-Natal
Date 16 December 1838 Location Blood/Ncome river, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Result Decisive Voortrekker victory
Belligerents
Voortrekkers	Zulu Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Andries Pretorius Sarel Cilliers	Dambuza Ndlela kaSompisi
Strength
464 Pioneers + 200 servants a 6lb carronade and a 4lb cannon	10,000–15,000 men
Casualties and losses
3 wounded	3,000+ dead

The Battle of Blood River was an important fight that happened on December 16, 1838, in what is now KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This battle was between a group of Voortrekkers (Dutch-speaking settlers), led by Andries Pretorius, and the Zulu army of King Dingane.

About 464 Voortrekkers, along with 200 servants, faced a much larger Zulu force of 10,000 to 15,000 warriors. The battle took place on the bank of the Ncome River. The Voortrekkers won this battle, and over 3,000 of King Dingane's soldiers died.

What Happened Before the Battle?

The Voortrekkers were Dutch-speaking settlers who were moving away from the Cape Colony. They were looking for new lands to settle. This movement was called the Great Trek. As they moved, they came into conflict with local African kingdoms, including the Zulu.

There had been earlier disagreements and attacks between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu. These events led to the big battle at Blood River.

The Battle Itself

On the morning of December 16, 1838, the Zulu army attacked the Voortrekker camp. The Voortrekkers had formed a defensive circle with their wagons, called a laager. This laager protected them from the Zulu charges.

The Voortrekkers used their firearms and two small cannons to defend themselves. The Zulu warriors fought bravely with their spears and shields. However, the Voortrekkers' weapons gave them a big advantage.

The battle lasted for several hours. The Zulu army made many attempts to break through the laager, but they were not successful. In the end, the Zulu forces had to retreat.

After the Battle

The Battle of Blood River was a major victory for the Voortrekkers. Only three Voortrekkers were wounded, while the Zulu suffered heavy losses. This battle changed the balance of power in the region.

After this battle, the Voortrekkers continued to expand their settlements. In January 1840, Prince Mpande, who was King Dingane's half-brother, defeated King Dingane in another battle called the Battle of Maqongqe. Prince Mpande then became the new king of the Zulu.

Images for kids

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  The carronade used during the battle on an improvised carriage Andries Pretorius brought with him from the Cape.

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  An artist's impression of the Battle of Blood River.

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  Laager at the Blood River Memorial

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  A stone representation at the Voortrekker Monument of the Laager formed at the Battle of Blood River

See also

In Spanish: Batalla del Río Sangriento para niños