Second Anglo-Afghan War

The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880) was one of three conflicts where Great Britain, from its base in India, aimed to increase its influence over Afghanistan and counter Russian expansion in the region. The war began when the British viceroy, Lord Lytton, invaded Afghanistan after Russia was allowed to send a mission to Kabul, while a British envoy was turned back.12

The British army occupied Kabul, and a treaty was signed with the emir's son, Ya'qub Khan, who agreed to accept a British resident and conduct foreign relations according to British advice. However, the British envoy was assassinated, leading to further British military action and Ya'qub Khan's abdication. The war concluded with the installation of Abd al-Rahman Khan as emir, and the Durand Line, which defined the modern Afghan border, was drawn by the British and Russians. The decisive Battle of Kandahar in 1880 marked the end of the conflict.123