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The Kingdom of Swaziland Studies in Political History
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D. Hugh Gillis
ISBN: 0-313-30670-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-30670-9
224 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 3/30/1999
List Price: $131.95 (UK Sterling Price: £91.95)
Availability: Print on demand
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: A scholarly and engaging study, this history of Swaziland, by an author who spent many years in the kingdom, presents a vivid account of the interplay of politics and personalities along the passage to post-colonial independence. From the early stages of Swazi occupation of the present-day kingdom to the accession of Sobhuza II as king in 1921, this book traces problems in consolidating leadership under the Dlamini chieftaincy and examines the infuence of Boer and British settlers, and of mining and commercial interests, on Swazi culture and governance. It recounts the story of a thriving small nation that sought to maintain traditional customs and institutions in the face of a powerful European presence.

Each of the sixteen chapters concentrates on an aspect of political history that has influenced the character of the present-day kingdom, and much of the material, especially after 1900, has not been utilized in previous studies. The introduction looks at Swazi experience in a contemporary context, evaluating historic forces that have made for stability in a rapidly changing world. Other sections detail the Swazi reaction to European-controlled neighboring states (the Transvaal, Natal, and Mozambique), the tensions introduced by successive Boer and British policies, the Swazi detachment during two external wars (1899-1902 and 1914-1918), and widespread concerns about colonialism and self-governance following World War I.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
    Introduction
    The Ngwane-Swazi
    Expanding and Consolidating
    Boundaries: The Transvaal
    Boundaries: Portuguese Territory
    The Concessions Scramble
    Independence Fades
    Governing by Committee
    Politics in Flux
    The Boer Administration
    Assassination: The King's Part?
    War in South Africa
    The British Takeover
    Annexation or Protectorate
    A Test of Wills
    Partition Carried Through
    Regency to Kingship
    Archival and Library Sources
    Abbreviations
    References and Notes
    Glossary
    Recent Books on Swaziland
    Index
About the Author: D. HUGH GILLIS has had a varied career in education, communications, Third World development, and the military./e He served overseas during World War II and the Korean War and has held teaching and administrative posts at universities in Canada, the United States, and southern Africa. He spent several years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and, during 1976-80, was attached to the government of Swaziland, organizing rural education projects.
LCC Class: 968
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