#isandlwana

[cinemaquiles]

Baseado em fatos reais: "Zulu Dawn" e a derrota dos britânicos na Batalha de Isandlwana

[toomanyjulies]

#throwbackthursday to November 2017, that time we drove to #isandlwana #zululand #southafrica (at Isandlwana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CodPimdSJVj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[culmaer]

the British should've considered the impies at Isandlwana in 1879

bro you have to consider the impies (cool new way to say implications) of the sitchie (cool new way to say situation)

[robynsassenmyview]

I never killed another butterfly

"I never killed another butterfly", a review of Craig Higginson's novel 'The Ghost of Sam Webster' (2023: Picador Africa).

LET’S FACE IT: we all need a beautiful page turner, that sets us on fire and gives us something potent to come home to. This is Craig Higginson’s 2023 novel, The Ghost of Sam Webster. And yes, it’s a thriller, but there’s depth to it which is about being human in a complicated world. It presents an engagement with characters so rich and deep, that by the end of the story, you feel as though you…

[liberty1776]

Incredible Isandlwana Wargame

[desiremarea]

The Baddies of Isandlwana by Desire Marea, 2024

Images by Mia Thom courtesy of eclectica contemporary

[sankofaspirit]

African Resistance Movements Against Colonialism: A Garveyite Perspective

“Rise Up, Ye Mighty Race!”—The Spirit of Resistance and Liberation

Introduction: The Garveyite Lens on African Resistance

Marcus Garvey, the great Pan-Africanist and leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), championed African self-determination, unity, and economic independence. His teachings emphasized that colonial rule was not merely a political imposition but a spiritual and economic stranglehold that sought to erase African sovereignty and dignity.

From a Garveyite perspective, African resistance to colonialism was not just about territorial control—it was about reclaiming African identity, self-sufficiency, and the destiny of the Black race. The heroes of these movements were not just warriors but visionaries who embodied Garvey’s call: “Africa for the Africans, those at home and those abroad!”

1. Early Resistance: Fighting for Ancestral Lands and Autonomy

Before European colonization took full control, African kingdoms and societies fiercely resisted foreign domination. Many of these struggles were aligned with Garvey’s ideals of self-reliance and strong leadership.

The Ashanti Wars (1823–1900, Ghana): The Ashanti Empire, led by rulers such as Asantehene Prempeh I and Queen Yaa Asantewaa, waged multiple wars against the British. Yaa Asantewaa’s leadership in the 1900 War of the Golden Stool exemplified the defiant spirit Garvey championed: African women and men leading their own struggles, refusing foreign rule.

The Zulu Resistance (1879, South Africa): Under King Cetshwayo, the Zulu military defeated British forces at the Battle of Isandlwana, a powerful example of African strategic brilliance. Garvey would have seen this as proof that African people, when united, could stand against European imperial forces.

The Maji Maji Rebellion (1905–1907, Tanzania): A widespread uprising against German rule, where different ethnic groups united under spiritual leadership. It echoed Garvey’s belief in unity as the key to liberation.

These wars proved that Africa was never passively colonized. The struggle for sovereignty was present from the beginning.

2. Pan-Africanism and the Rise of Organized Resistance

As colonial rule tightened, African resistance evolved into more structured political movements. This shift aligned with Garvey’s vision of a global African awakening.

The Ethiopian Resistance (1935–1941): Emperor Haile Selassie’s defiance against Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia was a monumental moment for Pan-Africanists worldwide. Garvey saw Ethiopia as a symbol of unbroken African sovereignty, and Selassie’s resistance was a rallying cry for Black liberation worldwide.

The Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960, Kenya): The Kikuyu-led Mau Mau rebellion against British rule was one of the most militant anti-colonial struggles. It embodied Garvey’s call for Africans to seize their freedom by any means necessary.

The Liberation of Ghana (1957): Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership in achieving Ghanaian independence was a direct continuation of Garvey’s ideals. Nkrumah, deeply influenced by Garveyism, declared: “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent.”

These movements reflected Garvey’s belief that African unity and self-determination were inevitable forces that colonial powers could not suppress forever.

3. The Role of African Diaspora and Garvey’s Influence

Garveyism was not just a philosophy—it was a movement that connected the struggles of Africans on the continent with those in the diaspora.

Caribbean and American Influence on African Liberation: Many African revolutionaries were inspired by Pan-Africanist movements in the Caribbean and the U.S. Leaders like Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), and Nkrumah (Ghana) studied abroad, where they encountered Garvey’s teachings and applied them to their home struggles.

UNIA’s Impact on Black Consciousness: Garvey’s UNIA spread ideas of African nationalism, economic self-reliance, and military resistance. His vision of a self-sufficient Africa influenced independence leaders and fueled anti-colonial activism.

The Back-to-Africa Movement: While most Africans did not physically return to Africa, Garvey’s message inspired a psychological return—one that led to a reconnection with African identity, history, and the fight for sovereignty.

The African resistance movements were never isolated struggles. They were part of a global Black awakening, demanding not just freedom from colonial rule but also a reclamation of dignity and economic power.

4. Lessons from Garvey for Today’s Africa

Garvey’s vision remains as relevant today as it was during colonial rule. As Africa continues to navigate neocolonialism—economic exploitation, foreign influence, and internal divisions—the core Garveyite principles remain essential:

Economic Self-Reliance: True liberation means controlling resources, industries, and trade. Modern African nations must prioritize building strong, independent economies rather than relying on foreign aid.

Pan-African Unity: Colonial borders divided Africa, but unity remains the key to true independence. Regional alliances like the African Union must embrace Garvey’s radical call for continental solidarity.

Cultural Reclamation: Garvey understood that mental liberation was as crucial as political liberation. Africa must continue reclaiming its history, languages, and cultural pride to fully escape the psychological chains of colonialism.

Conclusion: The Struggle Continues

Garvey’s cry—"Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will!"—remains a guiding light. The resistance against colonialism was never just about defeating European powers; it was about the restoration of African sovereignty, pride, and unity. The struggle continues today in economic policies, cultural narratives, and the fight against neo-colonial forces.

Garveyite thought reminds us that true liberation is not just about removing the colonizer’s physical presence—it’s about ensuring that Africa stands tall, self-sufficient, and united in its destiny.

Africa for the Africans—Yesterday, Today, and Forever!

[victusinveritas]

On the set of Zulu Dawn filmed in January 1979 on the actual site, 100 years to the month, of the real battle of Isandlwana.

Unlike the jingoistic crap fest of Zulu (1964, a favorite movie of mine because of Michael Caine and not any message in the movie), Zulu Dawn managed to take a slightly more post imperial look at the British Empire and hint that maybe, just maybe, they were the baddies. There's still a lot of chest pounding and that sort of thing, but if you want to see a movie where the people in red all die except for like a few of them, this is one for you.

[streetqueenofmars]

Of the top of my head:

The Battle of Isandlwana, Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Austerlitz, Battle of Hastings, Battle of Boswith Field, Battle of Teutoberg Forest, and the Battle of Aouzou.

Any battle at all except Waterloo. Reblog if you can think of one!

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 1.22 (before 1950)

613 – Eight-month-old Constantine is crowned as co-emperor (Caesar) by his father Heraclius at Constantinople. 871 – Battle of Basing: The West Saxons led by King Æthelred I are defeated by the Danelaw Vikings at Basing. 1506 – The first contingent of 150 Swiss Guards arrives at the Vatican. 1517 – The Ottoman Empire under Selim I defeats the Mamluk Sultanate and captures present-day Egypt at the Battle of Ridaniya. 1555 – The Ava Kingdom falls to the Taungoo Dynasty in what is now Myanmar. 1689 – The Convention Parliament convenes to determine whether James II and VII, the last Roman Catholic monarch of England, Ireland and Scotland, had vacated the thrones of England and Ireland when he fled to France in 1688. 1808 – The Portuguese royal family arrives in Brazil after fleeing the French army's invasion of Portugal two months earlier. 1824 – The Ashantis defeat British forces in the Gold Coast. 1849 – Second Anglo-Sikh War: The Siege of Multan ends after nine months when the last Sikh defenders of Multan, Punjab, surrender. 1863 – The January Uprising breaks out in Poland, Lithuania and Belarus. The aim of the national movement is to regain Polish–Lithuanian–Ruthenian Commonwealth from occupation by Russia. 1879 – The Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War results in a British defeat. 1879 – The Battle of Rorke's Drift, also during the Anglo-Zulu War and just some 15 km (9.3 mi) away from Isandlwana, results in a British victory. 1890 – The United Mine Workers of America is founded in Columbus, Ohio. 1901 – Edward VII is proclaimed King of the United Kingdom after the death of his mother, Queen Victoria. 1905 – Bloody Sunday in Saint Petersburg, beginning of the 1905 revolution. 1906 – SS Valencia runs aground on rocks on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, killing more than 130. 1915 – Over 600 people are killed in Guadalajara, Mexico, when a train plunges off the tracks into a deep canyon. 1917 – American entry into World War I: President Woodrow Wilson of the still-neutral United States calls for "peace without victory" in Europe. 1919 – Act Zluky is signed, unifying the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian National Republic. 1924 – Ramsay MacDonald becomes the first Labour Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 1927 – Teddy Wakelam gives the first live radio commentary of a football match, between Arsenal F.C. and Sheffield United at Highbury. 1941 – World War II: British and Commonwealth troops capture Tobruk from Italian forces during Operation Compass. 1943 – World War II: Australian and American forces defeat Japanese army and navy units in the bitterly fought Battle of Buna–Gona. 1944 – World War II: The Allies commence Operation Shingle, an assault on Anzio and Nettuno, Italy. 1946 – In Iran, Qazi Muhammad declares the independent people's Republic of Mahabad at Chahar Cheragh Square in the Kurdish city of Mahabad; he becomes the new president and Haji Baba Sheikh becomes the prime minister. 1946 – Creation of the Central Intelligence Group, forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency. 1947 – KTLA, the first commercial television station west of the Mississippi River, begins operation in Hollywood.

[lboogie1906]

The Anglo-Zulu War was a conflict between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom (January 11 - July 4, 1879 in South Africa. They wanted the Zulu population to provide labor in the diamond fields of South Africa. They wanted to settle Boer land claims in the region that included territory held by the Zulus.

The Zulu Kingdom King Cetshwayo refused to submit to British control and instead organized an army of nearly 60,000 men. In December 1878, the British High Commissioner of South Africa issued an ultimatum to Cetshwayo demanding that the Zulus dismantle their military system within 30 days and pay reparations for alleged insults.

The British troops marched on Zululand. On January 12, 1879, an early skirmish took place at Sihayo’s Kraal with British forces led by Lord Chelmsford and the Zulus led by Mkumbikazulu kaSihayo, who was killed in the battle, resulting in a British victory.

The British and Zulu met at what would be known as the Battle of Isandlwana. The British Army, comprising 1,800 troops, while the Zulu Army, some 20,000 strong, was led by Ntshingwayo Khoza. They faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Zulus.

Cetshwayo’s brother, Dabulamanzi kaMpande, led the Zulu troops at Rorke’s Drift, Natal Province, against British forces. The Battle of Rorke’s Drift, saw 140 British Army regulars defeat 4,000 Zulu warriors.

The Battle of Intombe occurred on March 12, 1879. Zulu Prince Mbilini waMswati and British commander David Moriarty led their respective forces in the battle. Moriarty was killed leading to a Zulu victory.

The Battle of Hlobane, the Battle of Kambula, the Battle of Gingindlovu, the Siege of Eshowe, the Zungeni Mountain skirmish, and the Battle of Ulundi, the last major battle of the Anglo-Zulu War, taking place on July 4, 1879. That battle resulted in a British victory where Chelmsford defeated Cetshwayo and his army, signaling the end of the Anglo-Zulu War. Zululand was incorporated into the British Empire.

In 1979, the film “Zulu Dawn” was released. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[fantastictyphoonpeanut]

Salute the Brave: Isandlwana 1879. A gallant, experienced and resourceful officer, who cared for his men. With a paralyzed arm from a previous action, at this battle he fought a hard forward action & due to his leadership and presence held a large portion of the elite Zulu forces at bay until out of ammo. Being overwhelmed, they pulled back whilst he and a small contingent would form a rearguard, he made the rest escape, for this valiant deed he would pay with his life. After the British defeat. The General in-charge, Lord Chelmsford tried to place the blame for this defeat on Durnford, which is wholly unfair. It was Chelmsford fault for this disaster fair and square. (FTP)

[random-thought-depository]

I tried writing up a response to this yesterday but didn't like how much text it ended up devoting to a tangent and ended up deleting it, don't know if you saw it. I'll try again.

I think all the ideas you've put forward here make sense, and I'll add a few of my own:

An obvious propaganda line against the Affini is that they're enslavers. So I can see the Accord reviving some old US Civil War Union songs, and/or producing some war songs that sound a lot like them while they're trying to resist the conquest; I can totally see some Accord Cosmic Navy spacers playing these over their ships' PA systems during the last twenty minutes before they go into battle against Affini:

I think the idea of the Affini rewiring people's brains to make them compliant slaves would logically get played up for horror a lot in Accord propaganda. Can totally see propaganda posters aimed at front-line troops that say stuff like "Don't let them take you alive!" (canonically there's "death before domestication!").

An obvious way to make a case for resisting the conquest "from the left" would be to portray the attempt to save the Accord as an anti-imperialist struggle against racist slave-owning imperialist aliens and draw attention to parallels with historical resistance to European colonialism and so on, so if the Accord had a halfway decent propaganda department I'd expect a lot of that (the Affini's own words and face value self-presentation would give you a lot to work with for this angle!). I can see wars and battles like the 1895-96 Italian-Ethiopian War, Isandlwana, Little Big Horn, etc., cited as hopeful/aspirational examples/analogies/precedents by Accord leaders and commanders.

One of those Starship Troopers movie style "Do you want to know more?" videos but it's a historical interest piece about the 1895-96 Italian-Ethiopian War along with exhortations that this shows that sufficiently clever and determined defenders can defeat technologically superior invaders so humanity should continue to resist the conquest.

Some Cosmic Navy officer giving a speech to pep up their spacers before a big battle and including something like "... and if anyone can give some chlorophyllous Custer their Little Big Horn, it's [insert particularly prestigious and popular Admiral who's in charge of the operation]!"

Realistically this might be overestimating how culturally significant nineteenth and twentieth century stuff would be to these people, this is supposed to be happening in the 2500s, but the Accord really doesn't feel like a society 500 years removed from ours anyway.

Tw: rape mention

A lot of Terran propaganda is played for laughs in Human Domestication Guide.

“Weeds are gonna enslave you to work in their mines!”

I think an alternate take would parallel fascist and conservative propaganda today. Because the Terrans know the Affini are taking humans as pets and doing insane sexual things to them, play it up.

“Plants want to rape your wives! Don’t let that happen.”

“the Affini hate strong men and are gonna try to crush our indomitable human spirit. We will resist!”

“Are you going to end up like this guy? (Picture of drugged, happy trans woman kneeling in front of her Affini) I didn’t think so! Join the Accord Navy”

“Is your neighbor a plant fucker? Look for these signs:”

“Affini are heartless. They go after the weak and turn them into mindless propaganda machines. It’s sick. We need to stop this”

A lot of it would be regressive, as backlash to the insane wish fulfillment of the Compact. “It makes you soft.” “It’s immoral.” “You’re a bad person and should be shamed if you want it.” A side effect of it would be going after marginalized communities in the Terran Accord as well. With governments and corporations trying to crack down and control a growing mass of people who would be totally okay with domestication. Ban kink stuff. Just label kinksters as plant fucker sympathizers and draft ‘em to the navy.

Just some thoughts. I would love to see some new takes like this as the setting matures

(tw: csa implied. Not canon due to setting rules but they’d play into the “think of the children” angle a LOT. It’s a species of sex aliens. People do not want to even imagine what would happen to their kids regardless of what Affini would actually do)

[lightdancer1]

Hlobane was the other great Zulu victory:

While Isandlwana gets a great deal of fame, Hlobane was a victory in its own way no less momentous and confirming one of the key elements that made this war distinctive. While the war would change at Khambula when newer-style artillery finally made its full debut on the battlefield along with machine guns, the earlier battles were rifles vs. spears and, save at the static fighting at Rorke's Drift that was more than a little akin to Blood River the Zulus rolled over the British. This underscores a key lesson of real wars, that machines alone can decide things in certain contexts but in others they create very real weaknesses that a seemingly obsolete force can and will exploit and make itself certain to do so.

It should also be noted in European terms of the time that artillery was the real killer in war, so the Zulu falling to that and to machine guns was a case of patterns that happened to European armies as well, and when a European army falls to this at Sadowa or Sedan they are considered incompetently led but it's not taken as an entire verdict on a people or a culture.

[liberty1776]

Incredible Isandlwana Wargame

[pro-deo-et-imperio]

The Battle of Isandlwana 22 January 1879