This book examines five hundred years of South African economic history.This is the first economic history of South Africa in over sixty years. It examines five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Special attention is given to the processes by which the black population were deprived of their land, and to the methods by which they were induced to supply labour for white farms, mines and factories. This book will be essential reading for students in economics, African history, imperial history and politics.This is the first economic history of South Africa in over sixty years. It examines five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Special attention is given to the processes by which the black population were deprived of their land, and to the methods by which they were induced to supply labour for white farms, mines and factories. This book will be essential reading for students in economics, African history, imperial history and politics.Charles Feinstein surveys five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Following the early phase of slow growth, he charts the transformation of the economy as a result of the discovery of diamonds and gold in the 1870s, and the rapid rise of industry in the wartime years. Finally, emphasizing the ways by which the black population was deprived of land, and induced to supply labor for white farms, mines and factories, Feinstein documents the introduction of apartheid after 1948, and its consequences for economic performance,1. Setting the context: South Africa in international perspective; 2. Seizing the land: conquest and dispossession; 3. Making the labour force: Coercion and discrimination; 4. Creating the colour bar: formal barriers, poolc