The History of South Africa

by Beck, Roger B.

• ISBN13: 9780313307300
• ISBN10: 031330730X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-06-30
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group

Summary

To quote the title of Nelson Mandela's 1994 autobiography, it has been a "long walk to freedom." The history of South Africa, one of the oldest inhabited places on earth, is also the story of one of the newest nations, made and remade over the last century. This compellingly written history of South Africa, from prehistoric times through 1999, is the only up-to-date history of the nation. Beginning with an overview of the modern nation, this narrative history traces South Africa from prehistory through the European invasions, the settlement by Dutch, the imposition of British rule, the many internecine wars for control of the nation, the institution of apartheid, and, finally, freedom for all South Africans in 1994 and the Mandela years 1994-1999. Twin themes of colonial rule and racism intertwine over the course of the last three hundred and fifty years. Beck, a specialist in the history of South Africa, illuminates the conflicts, personalities, and tragedies of South African history over this period, culminating in the end of apartheid in 1994, the release from prison of Nelson Mandela, and his formation of a new government. Brief sketches of key people in the history of South Africa, a glossary of terms, maps, and a bibliographic essay of suggested reading complete the work. Every library should update its resources on South Africa with this engagingly written and authoritative history.

Author Biography

ROGER B. BECK is Professor of African and World History at Eastern Illinois University.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword	ix
Frank W. Thackeray
John E. Findling
Preface	xiii
Timeline of Historical Events	xv
Abbreviations	xxvii
South Africa Today	1	(8)
The First South Africans, 4 Million B.C.E.---1488 C.E.	9	(16)
European Invasion, 1488--1795	25	(16)
The British and the Cape Colony, 1795--1870	41	(18)
African States, Afrikaner Republics, and British Imperialism, 1770--1870	59	(18)
The British Imperial Age, 1870--1910	77	(24)
White Union and Black Segregation: Preparing for Apartheid, 1910--1948	101	(24)
The Apartheid Years, 1948--1973	125	(30)
The Final Years of White Domination, 1973--1994	155	(36)
The Mandela Years, 1994--1999	191	(16)
Notable People in the History of South Africa	207	(8)
Glossary	215	(4)
Bibliographic Essay	219	(4)
Index	223