The major conflict fought between the British and the Zulu Kingdom in 1879 was the Anglo-Zulu War. The war was initiated due to British expansionist policies in southern Africa and conflicts between the Zulu kingdom and British colonial interests. The Zulus initially achieved a stunning victory at the Battle of Isandlwana, where they defeated a British battalion. However, the war ultimately turned in favor of the British, leading to the defeat of the Zulu forces and the annexation of their territory. This conflict had significant implications for British colonial policy and the future of the Zulu people, affecting their social structure and autonomy.