Zulu King Cetshwayo Dies

King Cetshwayo was born to Mpande, who was King Shaka’s half brother in 1826. His father declared him his successor very early on in life, which was unusual for a King to do. As Cetshwayo grew older, he began to undermine his father’s authority and assumed control of the kingdom. By the time Mpande died, he was only King by name as Cetshwayo had long taken over the decision making. The British grew worried as they watched Cetshwayo’s military power grow rapidly. The British orchestrated a plan to annex the kingdom. The Zulus were given an ultimatum; Cetshwayo should forsake his sovereignty and his army should disarm. When Cetshwayo rejected the ultimatum, war broke out. The Zulus won the battle of Isandlwana but lost the battle of Ulundi. He died on 8 February 1884. Despite a prior attempt to assassinate him, it is possible that his death was caused by a heart attack, rather than the poisoning rumored at the time. For further reading on the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, click here.