The Mfecane
PRE COLONIAL AFRICAN STATES
SOUTHERN (1800-1900)
THE MFECANE
This is a Nguni term which for forced migrations of various Nguni speaking communities. This took place in the South Eastern part of South Africa in the period between 1810-1860. The Nguni speaking communities include the following: Xhosa, Swazi, Zulu, and Ndebele etc.
Many historians have found it difficult to explain the causes of these migrants however population and land pressure amongst these groups living between Drakensbura and Living Ocean was the single most important factors. However, this theory is baseless as it lacks statistical information.
Reasons for the Mfecane:
-Over population
-Evolution of age-grade system.
This systems evolved from being a single age grade system to age regiments from one area to another. This was dedicated to professional warfare as the reason for their existence. Shaka, for example was one of the many great Nguni leaders who exploited the age grade systems and turned them into powerful military forces used to conquer neighbouring states to form his own state. Other leaders who used the age grade systems were: Zwide, Dingishwayo and Mosheshwe.
Results of the Mfecane
-Spread of zulu type military systems
1. The short stabbing spear (the assegai) was used instead of the long throwing spear. It was more effective.
2. New fighting tactics were also used such as the bullhorn formation. This was when the enemy was encircled before attack.
3. They also used nighttime surprise attacks.
-There was an increase of strong central governments. The coming up of deposits (dictator) was proving to be a big problem. The use of age regiments, which cut across local loyalties, enhanced the growth of loyalty to the central government. The new kings appointed commoners to do important work and they also held positions such as would be incorrect to always equate this increased centralization with the growth of despotism. A few examples of deposits were:
1. Shaka Zulu
SOUTHERN (1800-1900)
THE MFECANE
This is a Nguni term which for forced migrations of various Nguni speaking communities. This took place in the South Eastern part of South Africa in the period between 1810-1860. The Nguni speaking communities include the following: Xhosa, Swazi, Zulu, and Ndebele etc.
Many historians have found it difficult to explain the causes of these migrants however population and land pressure amongst these groups living between Drakensbura and Living Ocean was the single most important factors. However, this theory is baseless as it lacks statistical information.
Reasons for the Mfecane:
-Over population
-Evolution of age-grade system.
This systems evolved from being a single age grade system to age regiments from one area to another. This was dedicated to professional warfare as the reason for their existence. Shaka, for example was one of the many great Nguni leaders who exploited the age grade systems and turned them into powerful military forces used to conquer neighbouring states to form his own state. Other leaders who used the age grade systems were: Zwide, Dingishwayo and Mosheshwe.
Results of the Mfecane
-Spread of zulu type military systems
1. The short stabbing spear (the assegai) was used instead of the long throwing spear. It was more effective.
2. New fighting tactics were also used such as the bullhorn formation. This was when the enemy was encircled before attack.
3. They also used nighttime surprise attacks.
-There was an increase of strong central governments. The coming up of deposits (dictator) was proving to be a big problem. The use of age regiments, which cut across local loyalties, enhanced the growth of loyalty to the central government. The new kings appointed commoners to do important work and they also held positions such as would be incorrect to always equate this increased centralization with the growth of despotism. A few examples of deposits were:
1. Shaka Zulu