This is the first full study of an African country during the Second World War. Unusually, it provides both an Africanist and an imperial perspective. Using extensive archival and oral evidence, Ashley Jackson explores the social, economic, political, agricultural, and military history of Botswana. He examines Botswana's military contribution to the war effort and the impact of the war on the African home front. The book focuses on events and personalities `on the ground' in Africa and also on their interaction with and impact upon events and personalities in distant imperial centres, such as Whitehall and the wartime British Army headquarters in the Middle East. The attitudes, aims, and actions of all levels of colonial society - British rulers, African chiefs, military officials, ordinary African men and women - are considered, producing a `total history' of an African country at war.
Reviews
This oral evidence used so well here still remains a deep albeit ageing source for scholars that can be mined for this crucial watershed period of Africa's recent history * American Historical Review (2000) *
The solidiers' accounts of their experience of war provide a rich patina of authenticity, adding colour, feel and smell to a story that would have been rather dull if based on official sources * American Historical Review (2000) *
A most valuable part of the book is the voice of Africans, those often forgotten participants in the military and domestic business of war * American Historical Review (2000) *
a well-written study solidly based on the extensive official and private papers * American Historical Review (2000) *
Even those who will disagree with Dr. Jackson's analysis will be glad that he has set down what he has. * Bruce Bennett, HS-Africa *
One welcome feature of this study is its engagement with the local historiography. * Bruce Bennett, HS-Africa *
Jackson ... convincingly dismantles the myth of the war as a threat to white prestige. * Timothy H. Parsons, African History, Vol.41, 2000. *
Jackson has made a provocative contribution to ongoing debates on the impact of the Second World War on Africa and the influence of African ex-servicement ... his call to re-examine the war's legacy from the perspective of individual Africans has a great deal of merit. * Timothy H. Parsons, African History, Vol.41, 2000. *
This fascinating study offers a 'total' history of wartime Bechuanaland.../ Larry Butler, TLS, 28/05/99.



Book Information
ISBN 9780198207641
Author Ashley Jackson
Format Hardback
Page Count 296
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 481g
Dimensions(mm) 224mm * 144mm * 21mm