The Eurasian Knot’s Post

The Anglo-Zulu War serves as a powerful reminder of colonialism's enduring legacies, shaping global consciousness and highlighting ongoing struggles for identity, autonomy, and justice in formerly colonized nations. Understanding this history is essential for fostering a more equitable world. The conflict between the Zulu Nation and the British Empire, particularly the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, was driven by British expansionist policies. In January 1879, the British invaded Zululand, leading to significant Zulu victories, including the Battle of Isandlwana. However, the British regrouped and ultimately defeated the Zulu, capturing their capital, Ulundi, in July 1879. The war resulted in the dismantling of the Zulu kingdom, causing profound loss of territory and autonomy for the Zulu people. This conflict underscores themes of resistance and imperialism, leaving a lasting impact on both the Zulu nation and British colonial history. #AngloZuluWar #Colonialism #History #CulturalAwareness #GlobalConsciousness #Imperialism #ZuluNation #Justice #Equity

THE ETHIOPIA EMPIRE! The Ethiopian Empire, also known as Abyssinia, has its origins in ancient times and is primarily associated with the Aksumite civilization, which flourished around the 1st century AD in the Horn of Africa region of what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Aksumite civilization is considered one of the great civilizations of the ancient world and is the direct precursor to the Ethiopian Empire. The Aksumite Empire developed from a mix of African and Semitic influences. It was known for its military power, its long-distance trade connecting the Red Sea to the Roman Empire and India, and its early adoption of Christianity in the 4th century AD, becoming one of the world's first Christian states. The Solomonic dynasty, which according to Ethiopian tradition was founded by Menelik I, the supposed son of King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba, played a crucial role in Ethiopian imperial identity. This dynasty, with interruptions, ruled Ethiopia for much of its history until the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. Over the centuries, the Ethiopian Empire resisted numerous invasions, maintained its independence from European colonial powers (the Battle of Adwa in 1896 being a prominent example), and became a symbol of African pride and anti-colonial resistance.

The Crucible of Dien Bien Phu: A Turning Point in Vietnamese History The valley of Dien Bien Phu, nestled in the rugged northwest of Vietnam, became a crucible of conflict in 1954. Here, the fate of French Indochina hung in the balance, and the echoes of the ensuing battle would reverberate through Southeast Asia for decades. The Battle of Dien Bien Phu, waged from March 13 to May 7, 1954, marked not only a decisive Vietnamese military victory but also the twilight of French colonial rule in the region. The ramifications of this momentous clash extended far beyond the battlefield, shaping the political landscape of Vietnam and setting the stage for the protracted and devastating Vietnam War. Following a millennium of Chinese dominion over Vietnam, which concluded in 969, a succession of imperial dynasties held sway for nearly ten centuries. The arrival of French traders in the 17th century, followed by Christian missionaries, gradually paved the way for French influence to take root. By 1884, motivated by a desire to protect its growing commercial and religious interests, France had formally established colonial control over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, collectively known as French Indochina. HISTORY: Battle of Dien Bien PhuAlt text: Black and white image depicting French soldiers parachuting into Dien Bien Phu during the siege. The First Indochina War: A Struggle for Independence In the aftermath of World War II, France sought to reassert its authority in Indochina. This ambition collided with the burgeoning Vietnamese independence movemen... ====== Detail: https://lnkd.in/gv-RbAJe

In today's Naval War College Sun Tzu lecture, the professor advances the idea that the feudal wars of the 600s in China were religious as well as political. Of course, I immediately thought about the Christian Crusades. I also wonder if the decrease in conflict worldwide is due to the decrease in religious based wars. Google says: There are many ongoing religious conflicts around the world, including:  Israel and Palestine This conflict is primarily over land and control, but has become increasingly religious. Both Jews and Muslims consider Jerusalem to be their holy land.  Russia and Ukraine Some say this is the first religious war of the 21st century. Both countries are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian, but the religious and political mobilization of the main actors is different.  North and South Sudan This conflict is between the Muslim, Arab North and the African, Christian South.  Sri Lanka A civil war between militarized Buddhists and Hindu Tamils ended in 2009.  Myanmar Buddhist militias are driving out the Muslim Rohingya minority.  Nigeria A conflict between Muslims and Christians, with the Muslim-dominated northern Nigerian states implementing strict Sharia law. 

ru*sia has long claimed to be anti-imperialist, but its history tells a different story. 💡 9 invasions of sovereign nations in Northern Asia between 1911 and 1943 💡 At least 30 genocides of Northern Asian nations between the 15th and 20th centuries 💡 Dozens of Northern Asian nations were completely wiped out by ru*ssian #colonialism over the past 400 years" 👉This legacy of imperialism is often overlooked, Maksym Eristavi, independent journalist and the author of the book "Russian Colonialism 101", bring this topic to light. To order the book https://lnkd.in/dUeKfnMA 🎥 what is colonialism, and what it has to do with the lived experiences of russian neighbors?

Colonialism, World War II and Independence movements are intertwined, shaping the modern world's politics. I was unpacking the complexities of World War II for colonized nations like Sri Lanka and came up with interesting historical sights. My first personal blog dives into the Paradox of liberation vs. imperialism: how Ceylon and some colonized countries viewed WWII. #WWII #Ceylon #colonialhistory #geopolitics #SriLanka

🪆🪓 Russia has long claimed to be anti-imperialist, but its history tells a different story. From the 15th to the 20th century, Russia led at least 9 invasions of sovereign nations in Northern Asia and committed over 30 genocides. Entire cultures were wiped out in a colonial conquest that spanned 400 years, erasing dozens of indigenous nations. 👉 This legacy of imperialism is often overlooked, but people like Maksym Eristavi, independent journalist and the author of the book “Russian Colonialism 101", bring this topic to light. #standwithukraine #russiancolonialism101 #empirewillfail #ukraine

Ethiopia and Liberia are widely believed to be the only two African countries to have never been colonized by Europeans. Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent state and one of two African countries that avoided colonial rule. Ethiopia is populated by mostly Christians. The country was however occupied by Italy in the 1930s, forcing the Emperor Haile Selassie to flee. Haile Selassie was only able to return after British and Ethiopian forces expelled the Italian army in the course of World War II. This is a photo of Menelik II, the emperor of Ethiopia who defeated the Italians. Most of Africa worshiped ancestors, polytheistic gods and Voodoo. However, most of Ethiopia and Liberia were Christian and this factor has contributed greatly to their defeat of the Italians. Christianity is by far the most common faith in Liberia, with recent surveys showing Christians making up 83-86% of the population, up significantly from surveys in the 1980s. West Africa, East Africa and South Africa were effectively colonialized by Europeans and essentially robed of their natural resources which included Gold and Oil. Such is the power of monotheistic Christianity.

Ethiopia: Batu Ezana, The earliest known written document from Ethiopia is the *Ezana Stele*, also known as the *Ezana Inscription*. This stele is a monument erected by King Ezana of Aksum, who ruled the Kingdom of Aksum (an ancient kingdom located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea) during the 4th century AD. The stele is inscribed in three languages: *Greek*, *Sabean* (an ancient language of southern Arabia), and *Ge'ez* (the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the ancient language of Ethiopia). The text on the stele recounts King Ezana's military victories and his conversion to Christianity, making him one of the first rulers to officially adopt Christianity. This document is significant not only for its age, but also because it reflects the cultural mix and international influence of the Kingdom of Aksum in that period.

The Israel-Gaza War: The U.S. is Undermining its Long Term Interests. The consequences of the Treaty of Versailles and 75 Years of Western Imperialism in the Middle East has brought pain and suffering to many in the region. It can be argued that it is partly responsible for the rise of Islamic terrorism in recent memory. U.S. policy of a blind and unchecked support for the extremist government of Benjamin Netanhu will have a devastated impact on U.S. interest in the Middle East for the foreseeable future, at time when Russia and China are exerting influence and changing geo-political alliances. We cannot undue history as some "holy warriors" or racial nationalists would prefer. But we can work toward peace and justice. There is enough room (land) for both Jews and Palestinians, Christians or Muslims - all of God's children to live in peace and flourish. Using race or religion as the organizing principle on which to erect a modern nation and excludes others is incompatible with the American creed - that all men are created equal. Therefore, the ideology of establishing a " Jewish state", “Islamic State" or any political institution purely based on race should be categorically denounced and rejected. We need a new vision for the Middle East!