Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
History
Date of Award
12-2007
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Melvin E. Page
Committee Members
Henry J. Antikiewicz, Stephen G. Fritz
Abstract
The Kikuyu, the largest ethnic group in Kenya, resisted colonial authority, which culminated into what became known as Mau Mau, led by the Kenya Land Freedom Army. During this time, the British colonial government imposed laws limiting their access to land, politics, and independence. The turbulent 1950s in Kenyan history should be considered a revolution because of its violent nature, the high level of participation, and overall social change that resulted from the war.
I compared many theories of revolution to the events of the Mau Mau movement. Then, I explained the contention for land in the revolution, the role of women, and the place of Mau Mau in modern historiography. I concluded that Mau Mau should be considered a revolution even though its representation during the war and misunderstandings after independence did not classify it as such.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Amanda Elizabeth, "A Kenyan Revolution: Mau Mau, Land, Women, and Nation." (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2134. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2134
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.