1 October 1838
1st Afghan War

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Afghanistan lays claim to territories in the Punjab, and is backed by Russia. The British fear that Russian influence will spread to the borders of India, so Anglo-Indian forces invade Afghanistan. They take several major cities, and capture the capital, Kabul, in August 1840. The emir of Afghanistan surrenders and the British place a rival on the throne.

In 1841, the son of the deposed emir leads a revolt, which is put down with Anglo-Indian reinforcements. The British troops leave in 1842 and the emir is reinstated. After years of mutual hostility, Afghanistan and British-controlled India sign a formal peace in 1855.

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