article
‘No elders present’: commoners and private ownership in Asante, 1807-96
Journal of African history • 37 (1) • Published In 1996 • Pages: 1-30
By: Austin, Gareth.
Abstract
In this article, Austin reexamines the reasons for the overthrow of the ASANTEHENE Mensa Bonsu in 1883 and the ensuing civil war (1884-8.) Ivor Wilks attributed the rebellion to an emergent class of wealthy private traders, who were frustrated by state commercial monopolies and regulations. However, Austin disputes the evidence of a strong state commercial sector that directly competed with a growing private sector. Instead he claims that the trouble stemmed from the widespread opposition of small producers and traders, who reacted to extortionate high taxes and fines. According to Austin, small producers and traders participating in export and domestic markets became a major component of the Asante post-Atlantic slave trade economy and a force to be reckoned with.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Western Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Historian
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ;1999
- Field Date
- Not Specified
- Coverage Date
- 1807-1896
- Coverage Place
- Ashanti; Ghana
- Notes
- By Gareth Austin
- Includes bibliographical references
- LCCN
- 63005723
- LCSH
- Akan (African people)