30 Questions
What was Harry Johnson's task as Governor of the territory?
To establish British sovereignty over the territory, create a viable administrative structure, and make a thorough survey of the Shire Highlands
Why did chiefs in the Shire Highlands sell land to European planters?
Because they believed they were renting the land
What characterized the colonial economy?
Three sub-economies: Plantation Economy, Peasant economy, and Labour Reserve Economy
What did Harry Johnston's land policy aim to create?
Three distinctive forms of land tenure
What was the primary interest of 'big business' in the colonial economy?
Establishing a Labour Reserve Economy
What was the colonial government trying to do in relation to the three conflicting interest groups?
Mediate between the European planters, local African people, and big business
What was the name of the confederacy established in present-day Malawi around 1480?
The Maravi Confederacy
What was the occupation of the Kafula people in pre-colonial Malawi?
Iron mongering
Which ethnic group inhabited the southern lakeshore and areas around Lake Chilwa?
The Nyanja
What was the name of the state created by immigrants from the eastern side of Lake Malawi in the 18th century?
The Tumbuka-Nkamanga State
Who were the original inhabitants of the land in pre-colonial Malawi?
The Twa or Kafula
What was the occupation of the Mang'anja people in pre-colonial Malawi?
Iron smelting
What percentage of Malawi's de facto population was abroad between 1938 and 1956?
6-7%
Where did the majority of Nyasas work abroad?
Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)
What was the main reason for terminating contract employment in the South African mines in 1974?
An air disaster in Francistown
What happened to the number of Malawians under contract to WENELA by 1976?
There were no Malawians under contract
Why was labour migration eventually abolished in 1988?
Due to the imposition of pre-departure HIV tests
What was the main challenge faced by river steamers in navigating the River Shire above Nsanje?
Aquatic vegetation
What was the primary purpose of the Native Tobacco Board established in 1926?
To regulate and monitor the production and marketing of tobacco on crown land
What was the value of maize exported at the time of independence?
£3 million
How many tons of groundnuts were exported in 1952?
6,000 tons
What was a condition for a farmer to be registered as a 'Master farmer'?
Having a single block of land of not less than 10 acres
What was one of the benefits provided to Master farmers by the Colonial Government?
Technical advice from agricultural extension workers
What was one of the crops that was implicated in the post-war 'cash crop boom'?
Maize
How were goods transported between the Lower Shire Valley and Blantyre before the construction of the railway?
By a system of porters carrying headloads
Who built the first railway between Blantyre and the Lower Shire in 1908?
The Shire Highlands Railway Company owned by Eugene Sharrer
What was unique about Nyasaland's railway system?
It was privately run
What was constructed in 1915 by the Central African Railway Company?
A new line linking Port Nsanje with Chindio on the north bank of the Zambezi
What was opened in 1935 to replace the ferry service across the Zambezi River?
The 2 mile long Zambezi Bridge
Why did the private railway system not alleviate the high cost of foreign trade?
Because it was operated for private profit
Learn about the pre-colonial history of Malawi, including the original inhabitants, the Twa or Kafula, and the arrival of the Maravi in the 16th century. Discover the dynamics of the pre-colonial economy and its impact on the country. Test your knowledge of Malawi's rich history!
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