Crown and Charter

Crown and Charter: The Early Years of the British South Africa Company delves into the complex origins and operations of one of the most controversial enterprises of European expansion in Africa. This meticulously researched volume examines the British South Africa Company, a chartered venture driven by Cecil John Rhodes' ambition and the permissive stance of the imperial government. While Rhodes' dominance shaped much of the company’s direction, the book illuminates the broader dynamics, including the interactions between the London board, imperial policymakers, and local contexts in Central Africa. Through vivid detail, the narrative explores the bold ambitions, ethical ambiguities, and far-reaching consequences of the company's early activities, including its ties to stock market speculation and its impact on indigenous populations.

The book balances a critical lens with historical analysis, capturing the contradictions between the company's stated ideals of promoting Christianity, commerce, and civilization and its often self-serving pursuits. With nuanced discussions on Rhodes' character, the moral implications of colonial endeavors, and the passive complicity of other stakeholders, the text provides a comprehensive view of this pivotal chapter in British imperial history. A compelling read for scholars and history enthusiasts alike, Crown and Charter offers both a detailed study of the British South Africa Company and a broader reflection on the ethics and realities of colonialism.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1974.