"Clash Of Civilizations" 1884 (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

In the latter half of the 19th Century Western Civilization came into conflict with indigenous peoples around the world leading to a clash of cultures and arms. Prime examples include the Zulu War (1879), the Anglo-Sudan Wars (1882-1898), the Afghan Wars (1870s-80s), the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1900), the Spanish American War (1898-1902), and the Plains Indian Wars (1860s-1890). In the wake of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capital, Western powers were scrambling around the globe in pursuit of territory, resources, and markets to keep the engine of progress running. Indigenous response to Western expansion usually involved local insurgencies. These were often tied to religious movements of a mystical nature. The goal of these movements was expulsion of all foreigners. Prime examples include the Mahdist movement in the Sudan (1880s), the Ghost Dance Cult in the American West (1880s-90), and the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists (or Boxers) in China (1890s-1900). Members of these cults often believed that their spiritual beliefs would protect them from Western armaments. In the example pictured below an armed 92nd Gordon Highlander finds himself confronting a flag-bearing Mahdist warrior in the Sudanese desert.

Figures by John Jenkins

 

[villagehorse]

Nicely explained, helps to place the events into perspective. As usual the superior Western might wins out.....rifle against a flag.....no contest.