Browsing by Author "Barnard, Louis Chris"

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    The characteristics of contemporary revolutions in Africa : a comparative analysis
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1991-03) Barnard, Louis Chris; Breytenbach, W. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Information Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The characteristics of African revolution are investigated in this thesis, which is made up of five parts. The method used is comparative and descriptive in nature. In the first part problems regarding the definition of revolution are examined. It is found that revolutions are characterised by (a) mass participation ans (b) the transformation of the political and socio-economics orders. thus, five revolutions -- in Algeria, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and Zimbabwe -- are identified; they are studies here. In the second part of the thesis the political and socio-economic orders prior to the revolutions are studied. It is found that in all the areas little or no political representation of the local population ; repression by the rulers ; and poor living conditions existed. The manner in which the movements grew is examined in part three. Four elements are central good leadership ; an ideology that united the population ; followers from more than one class or group; and a good organisation. Armed conflict between the ruler and the challenger is examined in part four . Important aspects are the way in which the war was waged ; external support for both parties ; and the manner in which power was transferred to the revolutionary movement. In the final part the transformation of the political and socio-economic orders by the revolutionary movements are analysed.