Afghan War

In British nineteenth-century usage, “Afghan War” could refer to either of two conflicts. The First Afghan War (1839–42) followed Britain’s invasion and attempt to install Shah Shuja as ruler, ending in the disastrous British retreat from Kabul. The Second Afghan War (1878–80) followed tensions over Russian influence and ended with Britain securing control of Afghanistan’s foreign relations. Both formed part of the rivalry between Britain and Russia known as the Great Game.