Culture Of The Impi People And Leadership Of Shaka Zulu

Southern Africa was inhabited by multiple different groups in the late 18th century. Each group had their own ways of life and interests, which resulted in many battles over territory and resources. The Zulu/Impi people were among those who lived in the southeastern section of what is known today as the country of South Africa. The Impi military was extremely powerful due to vigorous hand to hand combat, courageous Shaka Zulu, and a mixture of different tribes with a variety of strong skills.

The Zulu were a shared culture, however they were disorganized and without a common leader. That was until Shaka Zulu. In 1816, Shaka took power of the Zulus. He achieved his place and power through his own skills and ability rather than birthright. He distinguished himself in battle, both physically and strategically, and set on a mission to unite all of the people in the region under his rule. Zulu warriors went through a massive reorganization under Shaka. Up until then, tribal warfare often relied solely on throwing spears. While Shaka continued to use throwing spears, he also trained his forces in hand to hand combat with short stabbing spears. Zulu warriors were the first to use a heavy bladed, short shafted stabbing spears called iklwa.

In addition to the iklwa stabbing spears, they were also adorned with a larger, stronger cowhide shield called isihlangu. To enable his warriors to run faster, Shaka did away with sandals. This decision was unpopular at first, but those who objected openly were not heard, but merely killed. Zulu warriors were made to stamp thorny tree and bush branches flat which toughened up their feet allowing them cross many landscapes with ease. Warriors were drilled frequently, sometimes covering more than fifty miles a day, to keep them in the best shape possible for combat.

By implementing this rigid training program, introducing new blade weaponry that replaced the traditional spear, and executing new attack formations, and a strict code of obedience, the Zulu society was completely built on the theory of battle. Young Zulu boys provided assistance to the Zulu warriors by acting like caddies and carrying all of their supplies, cooking pots, sleeping mats, extra weapons, etc. It was this systematic and organized approach and plans of attack that brought success to the Zulus. The men became dedicated to the nation and the women banded together in support.

The social, cultural and political structures also were a vital part of the strength of the Zulu nation. Shaka made the Zulu Kingdom strong and powerful by greatly strengthening the Zulu military, and by ruling very strictly. The Zulu army became a permanent part of the culture, and service was mandatory for Zulu men. Men were forbidden to marry until they had completed their military service. Shaka's highly disciplined and strong army was easily able to take down enemies of the Zulu, which allowed the kingdom to expand.

When the Zulu overpowered enemies, a majority of the conquered men of fighting age were killed, and the women and children were given to the winning warriors as brides and slaves. This allowed the Zulus to maintain their large military force. the Zulus were widely feared by both other Africans and by European groups. In just a couple of years, the Zulu army had brutally executed and taken over vast territories with more than 200,000 inhabitants who became his subjects. Despite their violent techniques, the Zulu warriors had fulfilled Shaka’s mission and created one united nation, the biggest and most powerful in southern Africa.

Shaka was assassinated in 1828, but that didn't mark the end of his effects on the history of southern Africa. Besides creating a political entity in the Zulu Kingdom, Shaka's military maneuvers caused the massive displacement (movement) of people which in the end led to a crisis that became part of a decades-long period of turmoil historians call the Mfecane (or the 'scattering'). From the 1820s to the 1840s, those who weren’t killed or taken over by the Zulu warriors fled, leading to a refugee crisis and rearrangement of South Africa's traditional settlements. Many groups banded together for security, forming new communities.

The Zulu people were the toughest, strongest, and most powerful empire to rule over South Africa. With stern leaders, harsh combat techniques, and lives dedicated to military success, they rose to power for over 20 years.