Yes, but the Western Way of War STILL could have prevailed-—however, it takes concentrated fire and unlimited ammo.
This was the same, more or less, situation at Isandlwana, where the Brits overextended their lines and lacked ammo. But at Blood River, some 40 years earlier, Boers with far more primitive weapons, in a laager, defeated a higher ratio of Zulus.
Western firepower is absolutely unbeatable against more primitive foes IF it is concentrated.
When confronted by firepower, you...
“Grab their belts to fight them.”
- General Giap PAVN
Or at Roarke’s Drift.
Of course, then you had Rorke's Drift to show what volley fire and good leadership could do for you ...
Colour Sergeant Bourne: It's a miracle.
Lieutenant John Chard: If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 caliber miracle.
Colour Sergeant Bourne: And a bayonet, sir, with some guts behind.