Factors for the Rise and Growth of the Swazi state:

Factors for the Rise and Growth of the Swazi state:

The clash of powerful leaders like Zwide (of the Ndwandwe) and Sobhuza (of the Ngwane) drove people into modem Swaziland.

Incorporation of smaller conquered groups/tribes/chiefdoms of Sotho speakers.

The rise of a ruling class to power that increased the wealth of the state and other means of production.

The existence of few succession disputes and civil wars.

The highly organized and efficient government system.

The able leadership of Sobhuza (Somhlolo I) 1815 -39 and Mswati I 1840 -68.

The marvelous tales of the incorporated able bodies people among the Swazi.

The capacity of the Swazi to successfully rule the Sotho tribes, Ngoni and many refugee and destitute groups.

Location and geographical advantages. Many groups of people found security among the mountains and caves in the Great Usutu Valley.

The Swazi people and refugees provided loyalty to Sobhuza J in exchange for their safety

Separate groups were also allowed to keep their own chiefs.

The ability of Sobhuza I to live in peace with his more powerful neighbors like the Ndwandwe and the Zulu.

Agriculture involving the growing of food crops like com, sorghum. millet, wheat and fruits and rearing of cattle, which led to population explosion.

Organized division of labor between men and women was crucial in the states economic development.

The alliance between the Swazi and the Ndwandwe people in the late 1820's

The Swazi excelled not only in raids against weak neighbors but also in keeping the Kingdom together.

The role and contribution of the Swazi soldiers.

Internal and external trade increased the wealth of the state.

The Swazi had strong and battle hardened age regiments.

The Swazi had ties of African traditional religion which facilitated the formation, maintenance, unity and consolidation of

The Swazi people provided a period of peace and the resultant increased prosperity to keep against the>

Contibution of a profitable trade through Mozambique, the cape colony and the Delagoa Bay in Natal .

The centralization of powers in the bands of the Swazi king(s)

Role of the development Judicial and Police/ Spy systems

The existence of the Dry Savannah Woodlands in parts of their state.

The M’fecane was one of the factors that led to he rise and growth of the Swazi StatelNation

From the late 1830's the Swazi state gained influence from Europeans travelers, explorers and the Boer Trekkers.