The culpability of Sir Bartle Frere in the destruction of Zululand in 1879

Abstract

In 1878, the proud and independent Zulus were presented with an ultimatum, which if accepted would have deprived them of both their pride and their independence. One man, Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of the Cape Colonies, was responsible for the preparation and presentation of this ultimatum. Further, these conditions were prepared and delivered against the expressed wishes of the British Government. Presented with the fait accompli, the British Government had little choice but to back up Frere, and the consequent invasion and destruction of Zululand followed. This paper investigates the problems associated with the delegation of powers and authority at a far distance from the actual seat of that power,exacerbated by lack of facile communications, by the preoccupation of the delegating authority, and by the willfulness of Sir Bartle Frere.