A History of Zimbabwe

Examines Zimbabwe's pre-colonial, colonial and postcolonial social, economic and political history and relates historical factors and trends to more recent developments in the country.

Alois S. Mlambo (Author)

9781107684799, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 April 2014

312 pages, 12 b/w illus. 6 maps 23 tables
22.6 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.41 kg

'Certainly the most comprehensive and informed history of Zimbabwe to date, it is also a joy to read so much good writing, with appropriate case studies and apt quotations. Alois Mlambo does not shrink from criticism of the post-independence government, but his judgments are always well thought out and tempered by consideration of the internal and international political and economic contexts. A good companion for The Cambridge History of South Africa.' Neil Parsons, Former Professor of History, University of Botswana

The first single-volume history of Zimbabwe with detailed coverage from pre-colonial times to the present, this book examines Zimbabwe's pre-colonial, colonial and postcolonial social, economic and political history and relates historical factors and trends to recent developments in the country. Zimbabwe is a country with a rich history, dating from the early San hunter-gatherer societies. The arrival of British imperial rule in 1890 impacted the country tremendously, as the European rulers exploited Zimbabwe's resources, giving rise to a movement of African nationalism and demands for independence. This culminated in the armed conflict of the 1960s and 1970s and independence in 1980. The 1990s were marked by economic decline and the rise of opposition politics. In 1999, Mugabe embarked on a violent land reform program that plunged the nation's economy into a downward spiral, with political violence and human rights violations making Zimbabwe an international pariah state. This book will be useful to those studying Zimbabwean history and those unfamiliar with the country's past.

1. Introduction: Zimbabwe in historical perspective
2. Early states, c.900–1900
3. The British conquest state
4. Colonial economy and society to 1953
5. The federation years, 1953–63
6. Nationalist movements to 1965
7. Udi and African response
8. Independent Zimbabwe, 1980–2000
9. The crisis years, 2000–8
10. Conclusion: Zimbabwe past, present and future prospects.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], African history [HBJH]