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The reading of an ultimatum to Zulu chiefs on Natal side of Drift Lower Tugela
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The reading of an ultimatum to Zulu chiefs on Natal side of Drift Lower Tugela
5924749 The reading of an ultimatum to Zulu chiefs on Natal side of Drift Lower Tugela, 11 December 1878 (b/w photo) by Lloyd, James (fl.1870s); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: The reading of an ultimatum to Zulu chiefs on Natal side of Drift Lower Tugela, 11 December 1878.
Photograph by J Lloyd, West End Studio, Durban, 1878.
On 11 December 1878 emissaries of the Zulu king, Cetshwayo, met with representatives of the British High Commissioner, Sir Bartle Frere, to hear the findings of the Boundary Commission appointed to arbitrate in a border dispute between the Zulus and the Transvaal Boers.
Frere had gambled that provided he could undertake a short and successful campaign before his superiors had time to interfere, he would be applauded afterwards on the success of the result. Though the Commission found in favour of the Zulus, conditions appended to the judgement amounted to an ultimatum: the Zulus were given 30 days to dismantle their military system or face the consequences. It was a cynical proposal devised solely to be refused, and on 11 January 1879, Lord ChelmsfordAs forces crossed the border into Zululand.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22568118
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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The Reading of an Ultimatum to Zulu Chiefs on Natal Side of Drift Lower Tugela, 11 December 1878
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photograph captures a historic moment in the tumultuous relationship between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Taken by J Lloyd at West End Studio in Durban in 1878, it depicts the dramatic scene where emissaries of Zulu King Cetshwayo gathered with representatives of British High Commissioner Sir Bartle Frere. The meeting took place on the Natal side of Drift Lower Tugela, as tensions escalated over a border dispute between the Zulus and Transvaal Boers. The Boundary Commission had been appointed to arbitrate this conflict, but their findings were far from satisfactory for Frere's ambitions. In a calculated move, Frere presented an ultimatum to the Zulu chiefs: dismantle their military system within 30 days or face dire consequences. This proposal was designed to be refused, providing justification for a swift British military intervention into Zululand. The photograph encapsulates both anticipation and apprehension as these powerful figures gather around to hear their fate. It serves as a visual testament to colonial power dynamics and political maneuvering during this pivotal period in history. Today, this image is preserved at London's National Army Museum as part of its extensive collection documenting significant moments that shaped our world.
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