First Anglo-Afghan War

The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) was a conflict between the British Empire and Afghanistan aimed at establishing British influence in the region. Concerned about Russian expansion, Britain installed a favorable ruler, Shah Shuja, but the Afghan people opposed foreign control. A rebellion ensued, and British forces faced brutal resistance. In 1842, a disastrous retreat from Kabul led to significant British losses. The war ended with a withdrawal, highlighting the challenges of imperial ambitions in Afghanistan and setting a tone for future conflicts in the region. This war illustrated the complexities of tribal dynamics and the limits of military power.