essay

To rise with one mind: the Bailund War of 1902

social change in angolaMünchen • Published In 1973 • Pages: 54-92

By: Wheeler, Douglas C., Christensen, C. Diane.

Abstract
This is an account of the Bailundu Revolt (1902-4), including a recap of the Ovimbundu history leading up to the event. The Portuguese overthrew the rulers of the kingdoms of Bailundu and Bihe (Bié, Viye) in 1776, but the kingdoms strong trade position underwrote their quasi independence. In 1890 the Portuguese again invaded and subjugated Bihe. In 1896 they established a fort in Bailundu territory near the capital, but were defeated in an ensuing battle. Attempts to influence the Bailundu royal succession in their favor ended in failure and the election of a king hostile to the Portuguese. The Portuguese arrested the new king over a debt dispute, which triggered the uprising. The authors discuss the war and African and Portuguese strategies. They also consider other factors that might have influenced the revolt, including the role of missionaries, the rum trade, and collapse of rubber prices.
Subjects
External trade
Slavery
Chief executive
External relations
Instigation of war
Warfare
culture
Ovimbundu
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Historian
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2001
Field Date
1971
Coverage Date
1600-1905
Coverage Place
central Angola
Notes
Douglas C. Wheeler and C. Diane Christensen
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
72097637
LCSH
Mbundu (African people)