Long before coal-fuelled ships and machine-tooled firearms, in the age of sail and black powder, the Portuguese were engaged all around the coasts of Africa in capturing trading towns, seizing slaves and searching for mineral riches. They fought their ancient Muslim foes wherever they encountered them, overthrew African kingdoms and resisted Dutch, Omani and Ottoman rivals.
In The Eight Zulu Kings, well-respected and widely published historian John Laband examines the reigns of the eight Zulu kings from 1816 to the present. Starting with King Shaka, the renowned founder of the Zulu kingdom, he charts the lives of the kings Dingane, Mpande, Cetshwayo, Dinuzulu, Solomon and Cyprian, to todays King Goodwill Zwelithini whose role is little more than ceremonial. In the course of this investigation Laband places the Zulu monarchy in the context of African kingship and tracks and analyses the trajectory of the Zulu kings from independent and powerful pre-colonial African rulers to largely powerless traditionalist figures in post-apartheid South Africa.
A history of the dispossession of African people in the Cape Colony, from the arrival of Europeans until the end of the Cape Frontier Wars.
The narrative explores the First Boer War of 1880-1881, highlighting the cultural clash between the experienced British army and the egalitarian Boer militia. It provides a comprehensive account of the battles while delving into the military, political, and ideological tensions that defined the conflict. Set against the dramatic South African veldt, the book examines the nature of frontier warfare and the impact of ethnic nationalism versus imperial interests, offering profound insights into this pivotal moment in southern African history.
Focusing on Zulu history, this comprehensive reference details the tumultuous 50 years from initial settler threats to the eventual disintegration of the Zulu kingdom. It features a chronology, introductory essay, bibliography, maps, and photos, alongside over 900 entries that cover military campaigns, equipment, logistical strategies, and fortifications. The dictionary also addresses key political developments and situates Zululand within the broader regional context, including interactions with neighboring states and various military factions.
Between 1838 and 1888 the recently formed Zulu kingdom in southeastern Africa was directly challenged by the incursion of Boer pioneers aggressively seeking new lands on which to set up their independent republics, by English-speaking traders and hunters establishing their neighboring colony, and by imperial Britain intervening in Zulu affairs to safeguard Britain's position as the paramount power in southern Africa. As a result, the Zulu fought to resist Boer invasion in 1838 and British invasion in 1879. The internal strains these wars caused to the fabric of Zulu society resulted in civil wars in 1840, 1856, and 1882-1884, and Zululand itself was repeatedly partitioned between the Boers and British. In 1888, the old order in Zululand attempted a final, unsuccessful uprising against recently imposed British rule.This tangled web of invasions, civil wars, and rebellion is complex. The A to Z of the Zulu Wars unravels and elucidates Zulu history during the 50 years between the initial settler threat to the kingdom and its final dismemberment and absorption into the colonial order. A chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, maps, photos, and over 900 cross-referenced dictionary entries that cover the military, politics, society, economics, culture, and key players during the Zulu Wars make this an important reference for everyone from high school students to academics.
Focusing on the Zulu response to the British invasion of 1879, this book delves into the historical context and the fierce resistance mounted by the Zulu nation. It explores the strategies, battles, and leadership of the Zulu warriors, highlighting their cultural significance and the impact of colonialism. Through detailed accounts and analysis, the narrative reveals the complexities of the conflict and the resilience of the Zulu people in the face of overwhelming odds.
Set during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, this alternate history reimagines the conflict with rich detail and depth. The narrative explores what could have been, offering fresh perspectives on the events and characters involved. Acclaimed for its storytelling, the book is enhanced by a foreword from historian Ian Knight, adding context and credibility to the reinterpreted historical events.
Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the British embarked on a concerted series of campaigns in South Africa. Within three years they waged five wars against African states with the intent of destroying their military might and political independence and unifying southern Africa under imperial control. This work deals with these conflicts.
The ignominious rout of a British force at the Battle of Majuba on 27 February 1881 - and the death of its commander, Major General Sir George Pomeroy-Colley - was the culminating British disaster in the humiliating Transvaal campaign of 1880-1881 in South Africa. For the victorious Boers, who were rebelling against the British annexation of their