The Deployment of Medicine in the 1874 Sagrenti War

Abstract Literature on the 1874 Sagrenti War tend to emphasize superior British weaponry and unravelling sociopolitical conditions in Asante as the factors which determined British victory. This essay takes a different view. It contends that Asante-British wars before 1874 followed similar patterns where both sides recruited ad hoc with few medical and welfare considerations. This approach resulted in many deaths from diseases. Drawing on primary sources including archival records, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and newspaper correspondence, this paper posits that the 1874 British army transformed its medical and welfare approach to war with Asante. Fundamental changes such as the provision of healthy food and potable water resulted in a more efficient and battle-ready force. The enhanced medical considerations of the British army therefore led to a quick and decisive victory over Asante.