Causes of British-Ndebele war 1893-1894

1. Land Disputes:

• Territorial Expansion: The BSAC, led by Cecil Rhodes, sought to expand its territory into Matabeleland, leading to disputes over land and resources.

2. Treaty Violations:

• Rudd Concession: The BSAC violated treaties signed with King Lobengula, including the Rudd Concession, which granted the BSAC mineral rights in exchange for protection and wealth.

3. Inciting Incident:

• Ndebele Raid: The war was triggered by a Ndebele raid on a Mashona village, which was used by the BSAC as a pretext to launch a military campaign against the Ndebele.

4. British Occupation:

• End of Ndebele Power: The British occupation of Matabeleland ended the Ndebele’s power over the Shona, whom they had traditionally raided for cattle and women.

5. Provocation by the British:

• British Acts of Provocation: The British incited the Shona to raid the Ndebele for cattle, and when the Ndebele retaliated, the British intervened under the pretext of protecting their interests in Mashonaland.

6. 6. Imperial rivalry:

• The conflicting interest between the Portuguese and British forNdebele land partially contributed to the war

7. Death of Chief Lubebgula

• Death of the Chief Lubengula created a power vacuum and demolarised the the fighters leading the conquest of the Ndebele Kingdom

8. Immediate Cause:

• Punishment of Shona: The immediate cause of the war was the attempt by the Ndebele to punish some Shona who disobeyed King Lobengula. This led to a clash with the BSAC forces.

These factors collectively led to the outbreak of the First Matabele War, resulting in the defeat of the Ndebele and the incorporation of Matabeleland into the BSAC territory.

Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, economics, geography … from digitalteachers.co.ug website.

Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science