The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) was a conflict between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Afghanistan. The British aimed to establish a friendly government in Afghanistan to counter Russian influence in the region. They initially succeeded by installing Shah Shuja as the ruler, but the situation quickly deteriorated due to local resistance and political instability. By 1842, the British faced a disastrous retreat from Kabul, resulting in heavy casualties. The war ended with the British withdrawal, highlighting the challenges of imperial expansion and the complexities of Afghan politics. This conflict set the stage for future Anglo-Afghan relations.