by RobertRoss (Author)
This book provides a succinct synthesis of South African history from the introduction of agriculture about 1500 years ago up to and including the government of Nelson Mandela. Stressing economic, social, cultural and environmental matters as well as political history, it shows how South Africa has become a single country. On the one hand it lays emphasis on the country's African heritage, and shows how this continues to influence social structures, ways of thought and ideas of governance. On the other, it chronicles the processes of colonial conquest and of economic development and unification stemming from the industrial revolution which began at the end of the nineteenth century. This leads on to a description and analysis of the fundamental political changes which South Africa is currently undergoing, while providing a background for the understanding of those many things which have not changed.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 234
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 06 May 1999
ISBN 10: 0521575788
ISBN 13: 9780521575782
Book Overview: Describes 1500 years of South African history, from pre-colonial times to Nelson Mandela's Presidency.