Professor Omer-Cooper's book is a detailed study of the factors involved in the emergence of the militaristic Zulu Kingdom and its far-reaching consequences in early nineteenth century central and southern Africa.
Its impact on neighbouring peoples precipitated vast migrations and the foundation of such important Kingdoms as the Swazi, the Ngoni, the Basuto and the Ndebele and also the creation of the Shangana and Fingo tribes, amongst many others.
The author outlines these complex movements and shows how tribal institutions were modified and adapted to meet the requirements of new African states which united peoples of different tribal origins into common political systems. He also discusses the effect these events had on the Boer "Great Trek" and their significance for an understanding of the present-day situation.
Author(s): J.D. Omer-Cooper
Series: Ibadan History Series
Publisher: Northwestern University Press
Year: 1966
Language: English
Pages: xiv,208
City: Evanston, Illinois
Bantu South Africa before the Mfecane --
The Zulu kingdom --
The birth of the Swazi nation --
Soshangane and the empire of Gaza --
The Ngoni invasions of east-central Africa --
The invasion of the highveld by Mpangazita and Matiwante --
Moshesh and the Basuto nation --
The career of Sebetwane and the history of the Kololo --
Mzilikazi and the Ndebele --
The devastation of Natal and the flight to the south --
The history of the Fingo people --
The Mfecane in the history of south and east-central Africa
bibliographical references (pages 183-192)
