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History of Afghanistan

Third Anglo-Afghan War

© John Hammerton

History of Afghanistan

Third Anglo-Afghan War

1919 May 6 - Aug 8
Afghanistan
Third Anglo-Afghan War
Afghan warriors in 1922 © John Hammerton

Video

The Third Anglo-Afghan War commenced on 6 May 1919 with an Afghan invasion of British India, concluding with an armistice on 8 August 1919. This conflict led to the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919, whereby Afghanistan regained control over its foreign affairs from Britain, and the British recognized the Durand Line as the official border between Afghanistan and British India.


Background

The Third Anglo-Afghan War's origins lay in the longstanding British perception of Afghanistan as a potential conduit for Russian invasion into India, part of the strategic rivalry known as the Great Game. Throughout the 19th century, this concern led to the First and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars as Britain sought to influence Kabul's policies. Despite these conflicts, the period following the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1880 until the early 20th century was marked by relatively positive relations between Britain and Afghanistan, under the rule of Abdur Rahman Khan and his successor, Habibullah Khan. Britain managed Afghan foreign policy indirectly through a substantial subsidy, maintaining Afghanistan's independence but with significant influence over its external affairs as per the Treaty of Gandamak.


Upon Abdur Rahman Khan's death in 1901, Habibullah Khan ascended to the throne, maintaining a pragmatic stance between Britain and Russia to serve Afghan interests. Despite Afghan neutrality during the First World War and resistance to pressures from the Central Powers and the Ottoman Empire, Habibullah entertained a Turkish-German mission and accepted military assistance, attempting to navigate between the warring powers for Afghanistan's benefit.


Habibullah's efforts to maintain neutrality, while simultaneously dealing with internal pressures and British and Russian interests, culminated in his assassination in February 1919. This event precipitated a power struggle, with Amanullah Khan, Habibullah's third son, emerging as the new Amir amidst internal dissent and a backdrop of rising civil unrest in India post-Amritsar massacre. Amanullah's initial reforms and promises of independence aimed to solidify his rule but also reflected a desire for a definitive break from British influence, leading to his decision to invade British India in 1919, thus sparking the Third Anglo-Afghan War.


War

The Third Anglo-Afghan War began on 3 May 1919 when Afghan forces invaded British India, capturing the strategic town of Bagh, disrupting the water supply to Landi Kotal. In response, Britain declared war on Afghanistan on 6 May and mobilized its forces. British forces faced logistical and defensive challenges but succeeded in repelling Afghan attacks, including at 'Stonehenge Ridge', showcasing the intensity and geographical spread of the conflict.


The war's dynamics shifted as disaffection among the Khyber Rifles and logistical strains on British forces in the region highlighted the complexities of frontier warfare. The war's final stages saw intense fighting around Thal, with British forces overcoming numerical and logistical disadvantages to secure the area, aided by RAF support against tribal forces.


In 8 August 1919, the Treaty of Rawalpindi marked the end of the Third Anglo-Afghan War, with the British ceding control over Afghan foreign affairs back to Afghanistan. This treaty is a significant milestone in Afghan history, leading to the celebration of 19 August as Afghanistan's Independence Day, commemorating the nation's emancipation from British influence in its external relations.

Page Last Updated: 10/13/2024

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