An established introductory textbook that provides students with a refreshing account of the complex events in sub-Saharan Africa since 1800. Aligning itself with the new critical tendencies emerging in Africa, the text examines indigenous social developments prior to the Industrial Revolution and the impact of colonialism from the perspective of class formation and capital penetration. This is an ideal core text for modules on Modern African History or African Politics - or a supplementary text for broader modules on African History - which may be offered at the upper levels of an undergraduate History, Politics or African Studies degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying modern African history for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in African history, African politics or African studies. New to this Edition: - Revised and updated throughout in light of the latest research - Incorporates recent developments and events - Additional chapters cover Africa in the twenty-first century and examine social and cultural history since independence