essay

To rise with one mind: the Bailund War of 1902

social change in angola • München • 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.

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)