In the 19th century, Zulus and Maori fought hard against the British. They couldn't manufacture firearms or ammunition and had to rely on what they could buy or capture. Many of them were only armed with spears, yet they threw their bodies at the British army and even won battles such as Isandalwana. In the end, the British victories were hard-won because of the fierce determination of their adversaries.

Now, look at China during the same time. China was not such a backwards country as people like to claim. Sure Chinese firearms were outdated, but unlike the Zulu or Maori Chinese could make them, and artillery too. However, unlike the well-disciplined Zulu troops who patriotically lay down their lives for King Cetshwayo, thousands of Chinese eagerly fought for the British during the Second Opium War (Canton Coolie Corps and others). Millions of Chinese fought for the Japanese puppet armies during the 20th century, and at some points there were more Chinese fighting for Japan in China than Japanese. We are our own worst enemies, and must be constantly on guard against internal rot and complacency.