The Xhosa Wars were a series of conflicts between the Xhosa people and European settlers in South Africa during the 19th century. These wars, also known as the Cape Frontier Wars, occurred mainly between 1779 and 1879, as the Xhosa resisted the encroachment of settlers on their land. The conflicts were driven by competition for resources and land, leading to significant loss of life and displacement for the Xhosa. The wars included several distinct phases, such as the First Xhosa War (1779-1781) and the Eighth Xhosa War (1877-1879). The British colonial government aimed to expand its territory, while the Xhosa sought to protect their sovereignty. Ultimately, the Xhosa Wars resulted in the annexation of Xhosa lands and significant changes in the region's demographics and power dynamics.