8. Battle of Isandlwana (1879)
On January 22, 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, British forces suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana. Underestimating the Zulu Kingdom’s military capabilities, British commanders, led by Lord Chelmsford, failed to fortify their camp adequately. A Zulu force of approximately 20,000 warriors launched a surprise attack, overwhelming the British camp and resulting in the deaths of over 1,300 soldiers. This defeat shocked the British Empire and highlighted the dangers of colonial overconfidence. For more details, visit the BBC History website. (bbc.co.uk)
