Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839-1919)

The Anglo-Afghan Wars, also referred to as the Afghan Wars took place during the early 20th century. There were three conflicts, in total; the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842) the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880), and the Third Anglo-Afghan War in May 1919. These wars occurred as Great Britain aimed to expand its influence and counter-power in Afghanistan.

In this article, we will explore the history of Afghanistan and the Anglo-Afghan Wars that were fought between 1839 and 1919.

History of Afghanistan

The history of Afghanistan is intricately linked with a series of conflicts known as the Anglo-Afghan Wars. Afghanistan, situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, has a rich and complex history shaped by various empires and regional powers. First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842) began as a result of British concerns about Russian influence in the region and ended in a disastrous retreat for the British. Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880) was marked by British attempts to control Afghan affairs, leading to the establishment of a more amenable Afghan ruler. Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919) resulted in Afghanistan gaining independence from British influence, solidifying its status as a sovereign nation.

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First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842)

The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842) was a result of conflicting interests. At that time Afghanistan was caught in the middle of the Great Game played between British India and Russian Central Asia. Dost Moḥammad Khan, a leader, had to carefully navigate between these two imperial powers. To counter influence the British orchestrated an invasion of Afghanistan to reinstate Shah Shoja, who had been exiled.

Initially the British were able to gain control. Placed Shah Shoja as the ruler of Kabul. However Afghan resistance quickly emerged due to their opposition towards the occupation. Despite the successes of the army they faced challenges during the harsh winter and encountered fierce opposition which ultimately led to their retreat and significant loss of life. This war highlighted just how difficult it is to establish authority in Afghanistan’s terrain.

Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880)

As Russia’s influence expanded in Afghanistan, the British felt compelled to offset this growth. With a focus on countering Russian influence, Lord Lytton aimed to strengthen India’s defenses. The British envoy’s denial of entry into Afghanistan heightened tensions, contrasting with General Stolyetov’s warm welcome in Kabul.

Lytton’s 1878 war effort was centered on the desire to dominate Afghanistan. As Khan fled, the British took control of Kabul. At Gandamak, a treaty was formalized, solidifying Yaqub Khan’s position as emir under British guidance. Despite Sir Louis Cavagnari’s killing, internal unrest and the subsequent British reaction caused the redeployment of British troops. The boundaries of Afghanistan were defined within this era.

Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919)

The onset of World War I found Afghanistan siding with the Ottoman Empire against British objectives. The death of Ḥabibullah Khan opened the door for Amanullah Khan’s leadership, resulting in a declaration of independence from Great Britain. In 1919, the third war began with this declaration.

The conflict may have seemed minor, but it ultimately gave Afghanistan the control it desired over its foreign relations. The 1919 treaty, a landmark moment, secured Afghanistan’s independence and established its position globally.

The Afghan terrain and resilient people proved decisive in shaping the conflict’s outcome, serving as pivotal factors. The challenges of controlling Afghanistan, as well as the nation’s resistance to foreign meddling, were reflected in these conflicts. Remnants of the Anglo-Afghan Wars linger in Afghanistan’s connections with nearby countries and its global standing.

Anglo-Afghan Wars – Treaties and Outcomes

A treaty forged an alliance between Britain, Afghanistan, and India in 1855, marking a fresh start in relations. The importance of mutual respect, peaceful interactions, and non-interference in domestic affairs was highlighted by the accord. Dost Mohammed’s decision to side with the East India Company’s allies meant forgoing assistance to the rebels during the 1857 Revolt.

The Lahore Treaty and Its Essential Elements

By embracing this principle, the Anglo-Sikh alliance forms a bond against future challenges. Anticipating the potential threat of Napoleon and Zamanshah, the British and Sikhs decided not to defend each other against external enemies and to avoid interfering in each other’s internal affairs. The alliance survived even after Singh’s demise in 1839.

Lord Auckland encountered a difficult decision regarding the balance between maintaining Dost Mohammad Khan’s alliance and prioritizing Ranjit Singh’s needs. He was confronted with two options: To either suspend Afghanistan preparations or launch an invasion to replace Dost Mohammad Khan and create a pro-western government, thereby blocking Russian and Iranian sway.

Outcomes of the Anglo-Afghan War

The British victory was sealed when Dost Mohammed Khan succumbed to their pressure, reinstalling Shuja on the throne. Calcutta became the captive’s destination for Dost Mohammad Khan. The taint of turncoat status significantly impaired Shah Shuja’s chances of assuming leadership. As a result of Shuja ud-Daula’s leadership on April 5, 1842, Shah Shuja met a tragic fate.

The assassination of Shah Shuja undid the initial British victory. The Afghan uprising resulted in the downfall of British Political Agents and inflicted damage on British soldiers due to unfavorable weather conditions. The end result was a treaty that bestowed a humbling honor upon Dost Mohammad, naming him as the Emir of Afghanistan.

The First Anglo-Afghan War saw Britain face dire consequences, primarily due to Lord Auckland’s flawed strategy. The list of English military leaders who perished during this conflict includes Alexander Burns, Charles Burns, Sir William Macnaughten, and General Elphinstone.

The year 1842 saw Lord Ellenborough succeed Lord Auckland following the latter’s Afghan policy controversy. Fuelled by a passion for military display, Lord Ellenborough laid waste to Kabul before leaving Afghanistan in search of payback. As the son of Dost Mohammad, Mohammad Akbar acquired regional influence.

Significance of Anglo-Afghan Wars

The historical Anglo-Afghan Wars highlight the constraints of conventional military strategies in Afghanistan’s demanding terrain. These conflicts molded Afghanistan’s distinct identity, as it has persistently resisted foreign control. The aftermath of the wars had far-reaching effects, impacting neighboring countries’ policies and shaping the global perspective of Afghanistan.

Global Impact of Anglo-Afghan Wars

The Anglo-Afghan Wars had significant global implications:

• The Anglo-Afghan Wars were part of the larger geopolitical struggle known as the Great Game, where the British and Russian Empires vied for influence and control in Central Asia. The outcome of these wars shaped the balance of power and competition between these imperial giants.
• The British, concerned about potential Russian expansion in Asia, sought to establish a friendly buffer state in Afghanistan to safeguard their interests in the Indian subcontinent. The wars influenced British imperial policies and strategies for maintaining dominance in the region.
• The Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919) marked a turning point, as Afghanistan successfully asserted its independence from British influence. The Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919 recognized Afghanistan as a fully sovereign nation, impacting the broader decolonization movements taking place globally.
• The conflicts had lasting effects on the stability of the region, with Afghanistan emerging as a buffer state between British India and the Russian Empire (later the Soviet Union). The repercussions of these wars contributed to the complex geopolitical dynamics in Central and South Asia.
• The geopolitical significance of Afghanistan continued into the Cold War era. During this period, both the United States and the Soviet Union sought influence in the region, leading to further complexities and contributing to the eventual Soviet-Afghan War in the late 20th century.

Conclusion: Anglo-Afghan Wars

The Anglo-Afghan Wars’ tale highlights the delicate balance of geopolitical competition and the multifaceted mesh of power interactions. The Afghan people’s fight against foreign involvement remains a valuable lesson for understanding current global conflicts. By delving into these historical conflicts, we acquire a deeper understanding of Afghanistan’s persistent identity and the intricate web of global politics.

FAQs on Anglo-Afghan Wars

1. How many wars between Anglo and Afghan happened?

There were three major Anglo-Afghan Wars:

• The War for Empire and Supremacy (1839-1842): Anglo-Afghan Front
• The conflict between British and Afghan forces from 1878 to 1880
• The 1919 Anglo-Afghan War, Third in the series

2. What role did tribal allegiances and landscape play in deciding these conflicts?

The interplay between tribal dynamics and Afghanistan’s challenging terrain heavily impacted the Anglo-Afghan Wars. Employing guerrilla tactics and relying on their native terrain expertise, Afghan tribes countered foreign occupation forces. Foreign powers faced challenges in imposing their control due to this.

3. In what manner did the “Great Game” connect to these conflicts?

As a result of the competitive dynamic between British and Russian Empires, Central Asia became known as “The Great Game”. As a means of asserting their influence, the Anglo-Afghan Wars were a key component of this geopolitical struggle.

4. In what capacity did the Battle of Maiwand figure during the Second Anglo-Afghan War?

In (1880), the turning point of the Second Anglo-Afghan War was Maiwand. The Afghan army, under Khan’s command, vanquished a British and Indian force. The British faced a daunting challenge in maintaining control over Afghanistan after this defeat. The battle serves as a powerful symbol of Afghan defiance towards foreign invaders.

5. What importance did the Anglo-Afghan Wars hold for Afghanistan’s independence?

This significant event in Afghanistan’s history served as a turning point towards independence. With neutrality in place, the nation could lever the war to shed British influence. The Rawalpindi Treaty in 1919 granted Afghanistan independence, terminating its protectorate status under British rule.

6. Who won 1st Anglo-Afghan war?

The First Anglo-Afghan War ended with the Afghan victory, resulting in the withdrawal of British forces in 1842.

7. How many Anglo-Afghan wars are there?

There have been three Anglo-Afghan Wars in history.

8. Who won Anglo-Afghan war 3?

The Third Anglo-Afghan War ended in 1919 with Afghanistan’s victory, leading to its independence from British influence.

9. Who won the second Anglo-Afghan war?

The Second Anglo-Afghan War ended in 1880 with British victory.

10. Which treaty ended the Third Anglo-Afghan War?

The Third Anglo-Afghan War ended with the Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919.