Zulu Warriors

Edge super high interest, low reading level books about great warriors in history.

"The Anglo-Zulu War, the most famous of Britain's lte ninetweenth-century campaigns of colonial conquest, was not fought in isolation. Along with the two Anglo-Pedi wars, the Ninth Cape Frontier War and the Northern Border War, it was one in a brutal series of interconnected and overlapping wars which the British waged between 1877-1879 to crush and disarm the remaining independent black states of South Africa. [Fusing] the widely differing African and European perspectives on events, [the author] probes the fateful decisions taken by statesmen and military commandrs, analyses military operations and their destructive impact on combatants and civilians alike, and explores why so many Africans chose to fight as auxiliaries and levies alongside the Bruitish instead of against them. ..."--Jacket.

The short but savage Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 pitched well-equipped but complacent British soldiers into combat with the Zulu, one of history's finest fighting forces. The clashes between these two different armies prompted tactical innovation on both sides, as the British and their Zulu opponents sought to find the optimal combination of mobility, protection and firepower. This engrossing study traces the changing face of infantry combat in the Anglo-Zulu War. Three major engagements are detailed: the Zulu ambush at Nyezane, repulsed by the British using their established tactics; the shocking defeat and massacre of outmanoeuvred British forces in savage close-quarter fighting at iSandlwana; and the British victory at Khambula following their adoption of more condensed firing lines and prepared positions.

Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the British embarked on a concerted series of campaigns in South Africa. Within three years they waged five wars against African states with the intent of destroying their military might and political independence and unifying southern Africa under imperial control. This is the first work to tell the story of this cluster of conflicts as a single whole and to narrate the experiences of the militarily outmatched African societies. Deftly fusing the widely differing European and African perspectives on events, John Laband details the fateful decisions of individual leaders and generals and explores why many Africans chose to join the British and colonial forces. The Xhosa, Zulu, and other African military cultures are brought to vivid life, showing how varying notions of warrior honor and manliness influenced the outcomes for African fighting men and their societies.

"Engaging images accompany information about Zulu warriors. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7"--Provided by publisher.

This book offers an account of this understudied conflict dating from the early stage of European colonialism in Africa, and unpacks the complex regional relationships between different communities in the first half of 19th century.

In the heart of Southern Africa, the legacy of the legendary warrior Khomotso unfolds, beginning with a prophecy that marks him for greatness. Born with a distinctive white strand of hair and a prophetic mark, Khomotso discovers a forbidden tree that gifts him unimaginable powers, turning him into a symbol of strength and hope for his tribe. Fast forward to a new era, and Letago, Khomotso's descendant, inherits these extraordinary abilities. As the last surviving member of his family, Letago must defend the Mapedi tribe against earthly foes and supernatural threats, showcasing the unwavering determination of the African people to fight for freedom and justice. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Africa's diverse cultures and traditions, highlighting Letago's rise to power as he assumes his grandfather's throne in Polokwane. Yet, his challenges extend beyond earthly conflicts, introducing a cosmic convergence that unleashes intergalactic invaders, witches, and wizards. Guided by ancestral voices, Letago navigates political intricacies, forms alliances, and confronts unimaginable adversaries. Love blossoms amidst chaos as Letago finds a soulmate in Potego, a strong and wise woman from a neighboring tribe. Together, they embody symbols of unity, tirelessly working to unite their people against the dual threat of colonizers and cosmic invaders. Across 66 chapters, the novel weaves an intricate tapestry of unexpected alliances, shocking betrayals, and deep-seated secrets. "The African Warrior: New Generation" delves into Letago's evolution, where mastery over the elements becomes paramount. As he summons gusts of wind, bolts of lightning, and controls nature itself, the fate of his people teeters on the edge, hurtling towards a climactic conclusion. This culturally rich journey promises a thrilling blend of historical depth, supernatural intrigue, and a protagonist's unyielding quest for justice and unity. Join Letago as he grapples with the responsibility of his powers, offering readers a roller-coaster of emotions and a symbol of resilience against adversity. "The African Warrior: New Generation" is destined to be a bestseller, immersing readers in a potent mix of historical richness, supernatural excitement, and a hero's unwavering pursuit of justice.

The historian and author of The Great Trek recounts the devastating period of violence among indigenous peoples in early 19th century southern Africa. From 1815 to 1840, southeastern Africa experienced a devastating period of warfare between the Zulus, the Matabele, and other indigenous peoples. Though the causes of the unrest—which the Zulu called the Mfecane—are still debated by historians, we know that hundreds of thousands of lives lost. Some estimate the total number of deaths to be near two million. At the center of the turmoil was the Zulu Kingdom and its King Shaka, whose wars of expansion sparked mass migrations among smaller tribes. One of Shaka’s lieutenants, Mzilikazi Khumalo, escaped execution and began a trail of destruction from Zululand north to the Highveld. Refugees from Mzilikazi’s warpath then formed their own alliance—including with the Dutch-speaking Voortrekkers, arriving on their own “Great Trek” to escape British control. Finally defeated in 1836 by the Voortrekkers in a nine-day battle, Mzilikazi and his followers crossed the Limpopo River and founded the kingdom of the Matabele in what is now Zimbabwe.