britain concerned throughout 1870s russian attempts increase influence in afghanistan, provided central asian buffer state between russian empire , british india. in september 1878, lytton sent emissary afghanistan refused entry. amir of afghanistan, sher ali khan, perceived @ point have sided russia above britain. considering himself left no real alternative, in november 1878, lytton ordered invasion sparked second anglo-afghan war. britain won virtually major battles of war, , in final settlement, treaty of gandamak, saw government installed both personality , law receptive british demands; however, human , material costs , relative brutality of brief guerrilla war (the war resulted in great loss of life on sides, including civilians) became major issues in defeat of disraeli s conservative government gladstone s liberals in 1880.
the war seen @ time ignominious barely acceptable end great game , closing long chapter of conflict russian empire without proxy engagement. pyrrhic victory of british arms in india quiet embarrassment played small critical role in nascent scramble africa; in way, lytton , war helped shape contours of 20th century in dramatic , unexpected ways. lytton resigned tory government, last viceroy of india govern open frontier.
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