Synopses & Reviews
Charles Feinstein surveys five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Following the early phase of slow growth, he charts the transformation of the economy as a result of the discovery of diamonds and gold in the 1870s, and the rapid rise of industry in the wartime years. Finally, emphasizing the ways by which the black population was deprived of land, and induced to supply labor for white farms, mines and factories, Feinstein documents the introduction of apartheid after 1948, and its consequences for economic performance,
Review
"An Economic History of South Africa highlights the costs that have been imposed on the majority populations and the economy itself by the illogic of racial exploitation and the denial of educational and occupational opportunity. This book provides a reliable introduction to the economic history of South Africa."
-James L. A. Webb, Jr., Colby College
Review
"As one would expect from such an eminent economist, Feinstein provides the reader with a solid introduction to South African economic history...It should be purchased by all libraries with an African collection and by South African scholars as a core book in their collection."
-Roger B. Beck, Eastern Illinois University
Review
"This comprehensive survey of South Africa's economic history is highly recommended and would make a fine college text to complement standard political histories. Scholars will long be indebted to Feinstein for bringing together so much primary and secondary material in such a readable way."
-Peter Limb, Michigan State University, African Studies Review
Synopsis
This is the first economic history of South Africa in over sixty years. It examines five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Special attention is given to the processes by which the black population were deprived of their land, and to the methods by which they were induced to supply labour for white farms, mines and factories. This book will be essential reading for students in economics, African history, imperial history and politics.
Synopsis
This book examines five hundred years of South African economic history.
Synopsis
Charles Feinstein surveys five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Following the early phase of slow growth, he charts the transformation of the economy as a result of the discovery of diamonds and gold in the 1870s, and the rapid rise of industry in the wartime years. Finally, emphasizing the ways by which the black population was deprived of land, and induced to supply labor for white farms, mines and factories, Feinstein documents the introduction of apartheid after 1948, and its consequences for economic performance,
About the Author
Charles H. Feinstein is Emeritus Professor of Economic History at the University of Oxford. His previous publications include The European Economy between the Wars (1997) and Making History Count (2002).
Table of Contents
1. Setting the context: South Africa in international perspective; 2. Seizing the land: conquest and dispossession; 3. Making the labour force: Coercion and discrimination; 4. Creating the colour bar: formal barriers, poor whites, and 'civilized' labour; 5. Exporting the gold: the vital role of the mineral revolution; 6. Transforming the economy: the rise of manufacturing and commercial agriculture; 7. Separating the races: the imposition of apartheid; 8. Forcing the pace: rapid progress despite constraints; 9. Hitting the barriers: from triumph to disaster: 10. Confronting the contradictions: the final crisis and the retreat from apartheid.