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Colonial Law in Africa, 1946-1966

A black and white image of a gavel resting on a table, with a row of books and scales of justice in the background.

African Government Gazettes, 1946–1966

In exercise of the powers conferred upon him the Governor has been pleased to order that: No person in the area set out in the Schedule shall be out of doors between the hours of 6pm and 6am except with the written permission of an authorized officer or of a member of Her Majesty’s forces not below the rank of warrant officer
The Nyasaland Government Gazette, 9 March 1959

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Legislation from the Mau Mau uprising to the creation of the first legislative councils

The legal system that a country has developed can provide fascinating insights into its social, cultural, and political history. This collection covers the period from January 1946 to December 1966. It provides the opportunity to explore the laws implemented by successive British governments throughout their African colonies.

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the British government published gazettes on an annual basis. These outlined the colonial laws that were implemented in its African territories. This collection, drawn from the records of the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, brings together numerous gazettes. The volumes within this collection are divided by country. These include: Basutoland (Lesotho), Kenya, Lagos (Nigeria), Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Nyasaland (Malawi), Sierra Leone, Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), The Gambia, Gold Coast (Ghana), Uganda, Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Tanganyika (Tanzania).

Some documents address major historical events such as the rebuilding efforts that followed the Second World War, the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, and several countries gaining their independence. The gazettes also include key information such as shipping records, legislation, probate records, and land sales. The collection also sheds light upon government finances and trading: imports, exports, and colonial finances are detailed in some gazettes.

Colonial Law in Africa, 1946–1966 is the third collection in British Online Archives’ three-part series Colonial Law in Africa. This collection provides an extensive survey of British rule throughout Africa. It is a rich resource for students and researchers interested in Africa and the themes of colonialism and race in modern history.

Contents

Colonial Law in Africa, 1946-1966...

African Government Gazettes, 1946–1966

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Highlights

Licensed to access Kenya Gazette, 1953

The Mau Mau uprising led to a series of legal changes as the Governor tried to bring an end to the unrest. A number of these changes were introduced as “Emergency Regulations” in 1953.

Licensed to access Nyasaland Gazette, 1958–1959

Riots occurred when Malawi was forced into a union with Zambia and Zimbabwe. The gazette for the 9 March 1959 includes the “Emergency Regulations” that were introduced during these protests.

Licensed to access Southern Rhodesia Federal Gazette with Supplements, 1960

Zimbabwe's path to independence led to protest and civil strife. The colonial government replied via changes in the law.

Licensed to access Uganda Gazette Part 1, 1962

The supplement for 1962 contains the “East Africa (High Commission) (Revocation) Order, 1961”. This lists the terms under which the Commission passed from colonial control to independence.

Insights

  • The gazettes cover a period that saw the rebuilding of Tanzania following the Second World War, the Mau Mau uprising, riots in Malawi following its union with Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the death of the Sultan of Zanzibar in October 1960. Throughout these decades several countries also gained independence.

  • Unlike other government publications, the gazettes within this collection provide detail of laws that were either new or that had been amended.

  • This collection is an important resource for the study of British rule in Africa. The legal notices within the gazettes reveal the issues that were considered important enough to be addressed by the introduction of a new law.

  • The documents in this collection contain legal reports, colonial finances, court records, shipping records, licence applications, names of colonial officers, and record of imports and exports. Some of the volumes also contain weather recordings.

Licensed to access Colonial Law in Africa, 1808-1919

1808   1919

Licensed to access Ghana and Togo Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1843-1957

1843   1957

Licensed to access Zimbabwe Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1897-1980

1897   1980

Licensed to access Kenya Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1907-1964

1907   1964
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