Mfecane

(“The Crushing”) Series of Zulu and other Nguni wars and forced migrations in the early 19th century that changed the demographic, social, and political configuration of southern and central Africa. Set in motion by the rise of the Zulu military kingdom under Shaka, it took place in the context of drought, social unrest, and competition for trade. Ethnic group was set against ethnic group in an ever-increasing radius, resulting in the creation of large refugee populations as well as the establishment of new kingdoms under the Basuto, Gaza, Ndebele, and Swazi peoples.

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