“The conquest and destruction of the Zulu kingdom was mainly a consequence of Cetshwayo’s poor judgment.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Cetshwayo’s poor judgment was the main reason for the conquest and destruction of the Zulu kingdom. Candidates may agree, partially agree, or disagree with the statement. In support of the statement, candidates may refer to Cetshwayo’s apparent inability to avoid war with the British in 1879, his decision not to attack a retreating army following victory at Isandlwana, and his failure to avert open field battle against superior arms at Ulundi. To counter this, they may argue that Britain was steadfastly determined to end the independence of a powerful African neighbour, and this meant that, in the long run, the Zulu would succumb regardless of Cetshwayo’s actions. Candidates may also argue that Cetshwayo was initially successful in his resistance to the British, especially with his victory at Isandlwana, and that much of his diplomacy with the British was characterized by moderation and astuteness.