“The Great War in Africa”
Conference, Stellenbosch, 29-30 June 2015
The First World War has shaped the world in which we live. The emphasis has fallen heavily upon the Western Front. Increasing light has also been shed on the many forms of participation that reflect the “global”, “modern” and “total” nature of this conflict. The war marked critical culminations in decision-making on neutrality and political-military relations with imperial masters and witnessed sudden, urgent activity in force design and preparation, increasing wartime industrial output, and the battle to win the hearts of nations often fractured along lines of race, class, and nationality within imperial contexts.
This conference seeks to bring together scholars to examine the African campaigns of the war and the naval operations in African waters and explore the implications these held for the peoples of this continent. The conference is being hosted in the same week as the biennial conference of the South African Historical Society.
Paper and panel proposals are invited. Contributions covering the African campaigns or taking thematic approaches are equally encouraged. Participants will be invited to discuss new research and provide expert feedback. A book publication is planned.
Politics and alliances / National interest / Defence policy / Intelligence and the threat perception / Homefronts / Mobilisation / Campaigns / Consumption / Economics / Industry / Resistance to the war / Propaganda / Military organisation, force design, preparation
The current deadline to submit a proposal (a title and a 300-word abstract with short cv) is 1 February 2015.
Address submissions and enquiries to:
Prof Ian van der Waag (ian@ma2.sun.ac.za)
Dr Ross Anderson (anderson_cr@hotmail.com)