Revolution from Above, Rebellion from Below: The Agrarian Transvaal at the Turn of the Century(Oxford Studies in African Affairs)

This is a study of rural society and struggle in the Transvaal during the watershed period of the early twentieth century. Though much has been written about the South African War and `Reconstruction' period, this is the first scholarly and comprehensive analysis of their impact on the agrarian Transvaal. Jeremy Krikler analyses the `Revolution from Above' unleashed by British imperialism as it wrought changes of immense significance for the countryside. He explores the relationships between landowners and peasants, traces the struggle between them, and examines the agrarian changes attempted by the British after the war. It is an original, thoroughly researched, and lucidly written account, which illuminates our understanding of the South African War and its aftermath. It also offers new insights into peasant struggles, and into the nature of private property and the colonial state in the Transvaal.

Table of Contents:
Agrarian class struggle and the South African War; the restoration of class rule in the countryside; mutations in the agrarian order; the agrarian class structure of the post-war Transvall; the struggle over tax; struggles over land and labour. Appendices: the size of the black agrarian working classes on private property in the early 20th century Transvaal; wage-rates for black farm-workers in the early 20th century Transvaal.

Review :
'thoroughly researched and well written ... It provides valuable insights on how ordinary folk reacted to the political changes taking place around them and shows how fragile was the Boer hold upon much of the land in the aftermath of their defeat. ' Stuart Jones, University of South Africa, African Affairs 'What is new about Krikler's contribution is the theoretical significance which he attaches to black involvement ... the chapters detailing the processes of historical change in agriculture make for fascinating reading. Revolution from Above, Rebellion from Below is a solid, vigorously Marxist addition to a now long list of studies on South Africa's agrarian history. The arguments are forcefully constructed and the book ... is well presented ... essential reading for those interested in the history of the Transvaal after the South African War.' Wayne Dooling, Cambridge University, Southern African Review of Books, Vol. 6, No 1, Issue 29, January/February 1994 'This is a well written, interesting and coherent book.' Stefan Schirmer, University of Witwatersrand, African Studies, Volume 53, No. 1, 1994 'fine monograph... There is a sharply perceptive and enquiring mind at work here. krikler's commitment to the application of Marxist theory is married to an impressive and painstaking attention to research and to empirical detail. This is undoubtedly an important and welcome addition to what is already; a rich thicket of work on the rural history of Southern Africa.' Timothy Keegan, Journal of African History, Vol. 35, 1994 `it is somewhat refreshing to read a book that is audaciously materialist and unabashedly political...He has unearthed some fascinating evidence...These are powerful, even seductive, arguments, presented clearly and with great confidence.' Journal of Social History `He writes graphically, and ably illustrates the greater range and scope of British intervention in the social, economic and technical spheres. We are well-guided through peasant and tenant reactions.' William Beinart, University of Bristol, EHR Apr. 96