The document discusses the rise of the Zulu Kingdom in southern Africa between 1800-1900. It describes how smaller chiefdoms like the Ndwandwe and Mthethwa expanded in the 1700s by taking over smaller groups. The Zulu were originally a smaller group within the Mthethwa. Under King Shaka in the early 1800s, the Zulu Kingdom developed powerful military tactics like running barefoot and using body-length shields, which allowed them to defeat neighboring groups and expand their control over surrounding lands, becoming the most powerful state in southern Africa by 1816. Shaka's strong, well-trained army and innovative military tactics were the main drivers of the Zulu Kingdom's expansion after 1818 as

1. THEME 1: SOCIALAND
POLITICAL CHANGE IN
AFRICA: 1800-1900
The Zulu Kingdom
African History
Grade 8

2. 1.2The Zulu Kingdom
The origin of the Zulu Kingdom
The Nguni people lived in smaller groups, each led by a chief and so called
chiefdom. In 1700s, some chiefdoms expanded and took over smaller
chiefdoms. (The were The Ndwane led by Sobhuza, the Ndwandwe led by
Zwide and Mthethwa led by Dingiswayo).The Zulu were a smaller group
within the Mthethwa.They often clashed over control of land and cattle. In the
end the zulu took control of all smaller chiefdom and united them into a strong
one called the Kwazulu Natal kingdom.

3. How the Zulu Kingdom developed into the most
powerful state in Southern Africa by 1816
• Shaka used many improved military tactics to build up the Zulu army into the
strongest in the region.
• In 1820, Shaka’s Zulu army defeated the Ndwandwe army and drove them
into what is today southern Mozambiques.
• The Zulu Kingdom become the most powerful kingdom in the area.This
period of Zulu kingdom expansion is called the “mfecane (crushing)” the time
of troubles, or ‘Dificane’ Scattering.
• Shaka died in 1928, assassinated by his half-brother Dingane, who then
become King of Zululand.

4. The Zulu Kingdom Map

5. The causes behind the expansion of the Zulu Kingdom
after 1818
• Shaka’s military tactics and powerful, well trained army was behind the expansion of the
Zulu kingdom. Because they were able to destroy all opposition in the region and conquer
other chiefdom’s land.
• Shaka used tactics such as:
 His soldiers run barefoot to make them run fast
His soldiers were well disciplined, permanent army.
He introduced a body length cowhide shields, which protected soldiers from spears and
axes of the enemies.
“The buffalo horns” or cow horns tactic was used when attacking an enemy. On each side
of the chest, impis (soldiers) forming horns would encircle the enemy, trapping them like
scissors.

6. Who was Shaka Zulu?
Shaka (1787?-1828), warrior, military
leader, and king of the Zulu people of
southern Africa. By the time of his death,
Shaka had the largest and most powerful
kingdom in southeastern Africa. Microsoft
® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft
Corporation. All rights reserved.

7. Home work
a) In what way did Shaka’s Military tactics affect the lives of the Zulu people?
Explain your answer (4)
b) Why did the Zulu kingdom expanded? Explain your answer (3)
c) How important was Shaka in the history of the Zulus? Explain your answer (3