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THE CAUSES OF THE MFECANE were emerging by the end of the eighteenth century, when population levels increased rapidly, and ecological resources were sometimes scarce. Communities that previously had often spread across the countryside or had repeatedly divided and moved along the frontier became more settled and more concentrated. The introduction of corn from the Americas through the Portuguese in Mozambique was one major reason for this trend. Corn produced more food than indigenous grasses on the same land, and thus could sustain a larger population. Trade in ivory with the Portuguese in Delagoa Bay was another factor that induced people to settle just south of Mozambique. Moreover, possibilities for population movement had become much more limited by the end of the eighteenth century because land was in short supply. Bantu-speaking farmers had reached the margins of arable land on the edge of the Kalahari Desert in the northwest and in the mountains on the southern border of the Highveld, and people settling in the area found their access to water more and more limited.

Declining rainfall in the last decades of the eighteenth century, followed by a calamitous ten-year drought that began about 1800, caused massive disruption and suffering. The adoption of corn as a major staple gave this drought an even greater impact than those of the past because corn needed much more water than local grains in order to produce. When the rains failed, therefore, the effect was devastating. People fought one another for meager supplies of grain and cattle, hunted down whatever game they could find, and sought out any remaining water supplies in a desperate attempt to survive. Warfare erupted, and two kingdoms--the Ndwandwe under the leadership of Zwide, and the Mthethwa under Dingiswayo--battled for control of resources. Both kingdoms became more centralized and militarized, their young men banded together in age regiments that became the basis for standing armies, and their kings became more autocratic as they fought for survival. The Ndwandwe appeared victorious in 1818 when Dingiswayo was killed and his forces scattered, but they were soon overcome by Shaka, founder of the Zulu state.

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What is mfecane?

The Mfecane, meaning "crushing" or "the great crushing," refers to a period of widespread social upheaval and state formation in southern Africa during the early 19th century, particularly from the 1810s to the 1840s. Driven by factors such as population growth, competition for resources, and the rise of powerful leaders like Shaka Zulu, it led to significant migrations, conflicts, and the establishment of new political entities. The Mfecane had profound effects on the demographics and political landscape of the region, with lasting impacts on various ethnic groups and societies.


What was shaka zulus relation to the mfecane?

Shaka Zulu was a central figure in the Mfecane, a period of widespread upheaval and social transformation in southern Africa during the early 19th century. As the leader of the Zulu Kingdom, he implemented significant military and organizational reforms that allowed the Zulu to expand their territory and power. Shaka's aggressive expansionist policies and military innovations contributed to the displacement and migration of various groups, which were key characteristics of the Mfecane. His reign marked a transformative era in the region, significantly shaping the political landscape of southern Africa.


What is the effects of mfecane war?

-destruction of properties.migration of people, formation of strong kingdom, introduction of new military technic. decline of agricultural production.decline of trade activities,dearth of people. Separation of families


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Were there any wars in the ancient Swahili trading states?

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What is mfecane?

The Mfecane, meaning "crushing" or "the great crushing," refers to a period of widespread social upheaval and state formation in southern Africa during the early 19th century, particularly from the 1810s to the 1840s. Driven by factors such as population growth, competition for resources, and the rise of powerful leaders like Shaka Zulu, it led to significant migrations, conflicts, and the establishment of new political entities. The Mfecane had profound effects on the demographics and political landscape of the region, with lasting impacts on various ethnic groups and societies.


What was the impact of the Mfecane in. Changing Southern African society?

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What was the impact of the mfecane in changing southern African society?

the workers also obtain housing and they are paid accodion to thier wages.


What was shaka zulus relation to the mfecane?

Shaka Zulu was a central figure in the Mfecane, a period of widespread upheaval and social transformation in southern Africa during the early 19th century. As the leader of the Zulu Kingdom, he implemented significant military and organizational reforms that allowed the Zulu to expand their territory and power. Shaka's aggressive expansionist policies and military innovations contributed to the displacement and migration of various groups, which were key characteristics of the Mfecane. His reign marked a transformative era in the region, significantly shaping the political landscape of southern Africa.


What is the effects of mfecane war?

-destruction of properties.migration of people, formation of strong kingdom, introduction of new military technic. decline of agricultural production.decline of trade activities,dearth of people. Separation of families


What has the author David Westley written?

David Westley has written: 'Mental health and psychiatry in Africa' -- subject(s): Abstracts, Mental Disorders, Mental health, Mental health services, Mental illness, Psychiatry 'A bibliography of Swahili language and linguistics' 'The Mfecane' -- subject(s): Bibliography, History


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