1st Edition

Botswana A Short Political History

By Anthony Sillery Copyright 1974

    Originally published in 1974, this book is a readable account of Botswana from the time of the first European visitors to the modern era of emergence as an independent African state. The book describes the condition of the people as it was recorded by the early travellers, the coming of the Christian missionaries and the influence of such men as Robert Moffat, John Mackenzie and David Livingstone. It discusses the effects of Boer pressure on the tribal land, British intervention and the establishment of a British protectorate, finally describing the birth of the Republic, its nature and constitution. The book assesses Botswana’s relations with other African states, particularly South Africa.

    1. Country and People 2. The Missionaries 3. The Great Trek – Livingstone – The Tswana at Mid-Century 4. The Matabele and Kololo Missions – Troubled Times 5. John Mackenzie – The Protectorate 6. The Warren Expedition 7. The British South Africa Company 8. Communications and Concessions 9. Three Chiefs Call on Mr Chamberlain 10. Pestilence and Famine – Domestic Issues – The Question of Transfer 11. Political Changes 12. The Economy and Social Services – World War II 13. The Seretse Affair – Finance and Economics 14. Independence 15. Modern Times 16. Conclusion.

    Biography

    Anthony Sillery

    Review of the original edition of Sékou Touré’s Guinea:

    ‘Sékou Touré’s Guinea is an informative work and an interesting contribution to the literature on nation-building in Africa.’ Lansiné Kaba, Journal of Modern Africa Studies, Vol 15, No. 2.