'Afghan Wars 1839-42 and 1878-80, Part 2' Summary

The 1878-80 Afghan War was one of the major conflicts during the Great Game, the 19th century competition for power and influence in Central Asia between the United Kingdom and Russia. The war began when the British invaded Afghanistan in 1878, seeking to prevent Russian influence in the region. The Afghans fought back fiercely, and the war dragged on for two years. The British eventually withdrew in 1880, having failed to achieve their objectives. The war was a major setback for British power in the region, and it marked the beginning of a period of decline for the British Empire.