Xhosa Wars facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xhosa Wars |
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Resistance fighters defend a stronghold in the forested Water Kloof during the Eighth Xhosa War in 1851. Xhosa, Kat River Khoi-khoi and some army deserters are depicted |
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Xhosa Kingdom |
European settlers
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The Xhosa Wars (also known as the Cape Frontier Wars, or Africa's 100 Years War were a series of nine wars or flare-ups (from 1779 to 1879) between the Xhosa Kingdom and European settlers in what is now the Eastern Cape in South Africa. These events were the longest-running military action in the history of African colonialism.
The reality of the conflicts between the Europeans and Xhosa involves a balance of tension. At times, tensions existed between the various Europeans in the Cape region, tensions between Empire administration and colonial governments, and tensions within the Xhosa Kingdom, e.g. chiefs rivalling each other, which usually led to Europeans taking advantage of the situation to meddle in Xhosa politics. A perfect example of this is the case of chief Ngqika and his uncle, chief Ndlambe.
Images for kids
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Map of the Cape Colony in 1809, showing its eastward expansion
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The murder of Chief Hintsa is an enduring atrocity in the memory of the Xhosa nation.
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Sir Andries Stockenström, 1st Baronet, and veteran of several Xhosa wars
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The Fengu ("Fingoes"), known across southern Africa as skilled gunmen, were invaluable allies of the Cape Colony in its frontier wars.
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Sketch of the shoot-out as British Imperial Troops attempt to storm Sandile's position in the Amatola Mountains.
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Mobile mounted commandos were highly effective in the mountainous frontier terrain.
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A column of Xhosa gunmen, crossing a ravine in the frontier mountains
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The Cape Mounted Riflemen charging the enemy at Waterkloof during the 8th Frontier War
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Chief Maqoma. Xhosa military leader in several of the frontier wars
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A British column (74th Highlanders) under ambush in the Waterkloof forests
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Nongqawuse (right) with fellow prophetess, Nonkosi
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Map of southern Africa on the eve of the final frontier war (1876)
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Chief Sarhili (centre seated) was under pressure from belligerent factions of his own government.
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Cape Colony militia – Fengu and Boer – on the frontier, 1878
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British Governor Bartle Frere sought to annex Gcalekaland to the British Empire.
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Engagement near Ibika – 1877
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The great Chief of the Ngqika, Mgolombane Sandile, veteran of several frontier wars
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The Amatola Mountains, setting for the final stage of the war.
See also
In Spanish: Guerras Xhosa para niños
