ECO 224: Pre-Colonial Malawi History

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What was Harry Johnson's task as Governor of the territory?

To create a viable road system

To mediate between European planters, local African people, and big business

To establish British sovereignty over the territory, create a viable administrative structure, and make a thorough survey of the Shire Highlands (correct)

To serve the interests of European planters only

Why did chiefs in the Shire Highlands sell land to European planters?

Because they wanted to support the European planters' economy

Because they wanted to establish British sovereignty

Because they needed financial support from the European planters

Because they believed they were renting the land (correct)

What characterized the colonial economy?

Only European planters' interests were considered

Only local African people's interests were considered

Three sub-economies: Plantation Economy, Peasant economy, and Labour Reserve Economy (correct)

A single, unified economy

What did Harry Johnston's land policy aim to create?

Three distinctive forms of land tenure Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary interest of 'big business' in the colonial economy?

Establishing a Labour Reserve Economy Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the confederacy established in present-day Malawi around 1480?

The Maravi Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

What was the occupation of the Kafula people in pre-colonial Malawi?

Iron mongering Signup and view all the answers

Which ethnic group inhabited the southern lakeshore and areas around Lake Chilwa?

The Nyanja Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Who were the original inhabitants of the land in pre-colonial Malawi?

The Twa or Kafula Signup and view all the answers

What was the occupation of the Mang'anja people in pre-colonial Malawi?

Iron smelting Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Malawi's de facto population was abroad between 1938 and 1956?

6-7% Signup and view all the answers

Where did the majority of Nyasas work abroad?

Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for terminating contract employment in the South African mines in 1974?

An air disaster in Francistown Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the number of Malawians under contract to WENELA by 1976?

There were no Malawians under contract Signup and view all the answers

Why was labour migration eventually abolished in 1988?

Due to the imposition of pre-departure HIV tests Signup and view all the answers

What was the main challenge faced by river steamers in navigating the River Shire above Nsanje?

Aquatic vegetation Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was the value of maize exported at the time of independence?

£3 million Signup and view all the answers

How many tons of groundnuts were exported in 1952?

6,000 tons Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the benefits provided to Master farmers by the Colonial Government?

Technical advice from agricultural extension workers Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the crops that was implicated in the post-war 'cash crop boom'?

Maize Signup and view all the answers

How were goods transported between the Lower Shire Valley and Blantyre before the construction of the railway?

By a system of porters carrying headloads Signup and view all the answers

Who built the first railway between Blantyre and the Lower Shire in 1908?

The Shire Highlands Railway Company owned by Eugene Sharrer Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about Nyasaland's railway system?

It was privately run Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was opened in 1935 to replace the ferry service across the Zambezi River?

The 2 mile long Zambezi Bridge Signup and view all the answers

Why did the private railway system not alleviate the high cost of foreign trade?

Because it was operated for private profit Signup and view all the answers