A History of the Asian trading Community in Livingstone,1905-1964

Abstract

Livingstone was founded in 1905. In its early period of development trade was in the hands of Europeans of mainly Jewish origin.During the 1910s, Asian trade developed and by the end of the Second World War trade had shifted into Asian hands. Trading became the main occupation of the Asians even though agriculture was the predominant economic activity of the area.This study examines the evolution of the Asian trading community in Livingstone from 1905 to 1964. It offers a historical explanation for the Asian occupation of a dominant position in the wholesale and retail trade of Livingstone during the colonial period. The study also examines the nature of Asian political and social participation during the colonial period and shows the role played by Asian traders during the period of African struggle for Independence. It also assesses the impact of the Asian trading community in the economic, political and social development of the area.This study examines the role of different races in a socially stratified colonial society in which placement was based on race. It demonstrates that in colonial society a racist social structure is inseparable from capitalist economic development, for race is inextricably linked with class exploitation and struggles. Therefore, in a colonial society power structure, capitalist exploitation and race oppression were complimentary to each other and influenced the class struggles.