Why did the Third Anglo-Afghan War erupt immediately following the First World War?

History · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: This documentary examines the 1919 conflict between Britain and Afghanistan. It provides essential context on how Afghanistan served as a strategic pawn between German and British interests during the Great War, leading directly into the third major military confrontation between the two nations.

The Third Anglo-Afghan War emerged in the immediate aftermath of the First World War. During the global conflict, Afghanistan had been caught in a tug-of-war between British and German geopolitical interests. This documentary details the subsequent military operations and the broader diplomatic landscape of the era.

Drawing on historical accounts from authors such as George Molesworth and Brian Robson, the film explores the campaign's significance within the 1919 to 1920 period. It situates the conflict within the complex history of the North-West Frontier, illustrating how the region remained a volatile theater of power long after the armistice in Europe.

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