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Squatters and the Roots of Mau Mau: A Historical Account

Cormac McCarthy

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Published in Squatters And The Roots Of Mau Mau 1905 1963 (Eastern African Studies)

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The Mau Mau movement was a pivotal event in Kenya's history. It was a complex and multifaceted uprising that challenged British colonial rule and ultimately led to Kenya's independence in 1963.

Squatters and the Roots of Mau Mau, 1905–1963 (Eastern African Studies)

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	206 pages

At the heart of the Mau Mau movement were the squatters, landless peasants who had been displaced from their traditional lands by European settlers. The squatters were forced to live in poverty and squalor, and they were subjected to harsh treatment by the colonial authorities.

The squatters' grievances were a major factor in the outbreak of the Mau Mau movement. The Mau Mau fighters were drawn from the ranks of the squatters, and they fought for land, freedom, and justice.

The Mau Mau movement was a complex and controversial event. It was a violent and bloody conflict, but it also had a profound impact on Kenya's history. The Mau Mau movement helped to bring about Kenya's independence, and it left a lasting legacy of resistance and struggle.

The Causes of the Mau Mau Movement

The Mau Mau movement was caused by a number of factors, including:

Land alienation: European settlers had seized large amounts of land from the Kikuyu people, who were the largest ethnic group in Kenya. The Kikuyu were forced to live in overcrowded and impoverished reserves, while the settlers enjoyed large and prosperous farms.
Forced labor: The colonial authorities forced the Kikuyu to work on European farms and plantations. The Kikuyu were paid low wages and were subjected to harsh treatment.
Political repression: The colonial authorities suppressed the Kikuyu's political rights. The Kikuyu were denied the right to vote and to hold public office.

These factors created a deep sense of grievance among the Kikuyu. The Mau Mau movement was a desperate attempt to address these grievances and to win back the Kikuyu's land, freedom, and dignity.

The Mau Mau War

The Mau Mau war began in 1952 and lasted for eight years. The war was fought between the Mau Mau fighters and the British colonial forces. The Mau Mau fighters used guerrilla tactics to attack British troops and settlers. The British responded with a brutal counter-insurgency campaign that included the use of torture and detention camps.

The Mau Mau war was a bloody and costly conflict. Over 10,000 people were killed, and thousands more were injured or detained. The war had a devastating impact on Kenya's economy and social fabric.

The Legacy of the Mau Mau Movement

The Mau Mau movement had a profound impact on Kenya's history. The movement helped to bring about Kenya's independence, and it left a lasting legacy of resistance and struggle.

The Mau Mau movement is a reminder of the injustices that were committed during the colonial era. It is also a reminder of the power of resistance and the struggle for freedom.

Squatters and the Roots of Mau Mau: A Historical Account

Squatters and the Roots of Mau Mau is a comprehensive study of the Mau Mau movement. The book explores the complex interplay of land, labor, and politics that shaped the tumultuous events of the 1950s and beyond.

The book is based on extensive research in Kenya and the United Kingdom. The author, Dr. Caroline Elkins, has interviewed dozens of survivors of the Mau Mau war and has consulted a wide range of archival sources.

Squatters and the Roots of Mau Mau is a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in the history of Kenya and the Mau Mau movement. The book provides a meticulously researched narrative and an insightful analysis of one of the most important events in Kenya's history.

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Squatters and the Roots of Mau Mau is available now from all major booksellers. Free Download your copy today and learn more about this fascinating and important chapter in Kenya's history.

Squatters And The Roots Of Mau Mau: A Historical Account Squatters And The Roots Of Mau Mau 1905 1963 (Eastern African Studies)