Bartle Frere, British High Commissioner in South Africa, sends an ultimatum to the Zulu king Cetshwayo, demanding that he disband his army. This is neither in his interest nor easily accomplished, and as a result of his refusal, war breaks out between the British and the Zulus.
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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "British High Commissioner in South Africa delivers ultimatum to Zulus". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 December 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=18777, accessed 09 June 2026.]
