History of Lesotho And Basotho national.

Lesotho its a country located in South Africa it's landlocked. It is also called kingdom in the key.

1. Lesotho: A Mountain Kingdom's History

2. Lesotho's earliest inhabitants were the Khoisan people, known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and rock art depicting their lives. 01 Around the 16th century, Bantu-speaking tribes arrived, bringing with them agriculture and ironworking (Lesotho Government, 2023). 02 The Land Before Time: Early Inhabitants

3. King Moshoeshoe I, also known as Moshoeshoe the Great, emerged in the early 19th century (Mphahlele, 2010). 01 The Unifying Vision of Moshoeshoe I Through diplomacy and strategic alliances, he united various Basotho clans to form a powerful kingdom. 02 He established a system of fortified mountain settlements (thabeng) for defense against encroaching enemies. 03 Statue of King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village, Thaba Bosiu.

4. The Mfecane and the Colonial Shadow Early 19th century was marked by the Mfecane/ "wars of crushing",a period of violence and displacement in southern Africa (Lesotho Government, 2023). 01 King Moshoeshoe I sought British protection to shield Lesotho from these conflicts (Lesotho Government, 2023). 02 In 1868, Lesotho became a British protectorate known as Basutoland (Rosenberg, 2023). 03 An early painting of the Mfecane wars

5. A Nation Under British Rule Under British rule, Basutoland experienced a degree of stability but also faced challenges (Rosenberg, 2023). 01 The British attempted to introduce a system of indirect rule through Basotho chiefs. 02 The Basutoland Pony Breeding Scheme was established, focusing on horse breeding for the British military. 03 Image of Qiloane Plateau near Thaba Bosiu

6. During the 20th century, a spirit of nationalism grew in Basutoland (Lesotho Government, 2023). 01 King Moshoeshoe II, grandson of Moshoeshoe I, championed the cause for independence. 02 Political parties emerged, advocating for self-rule. 03 Seeds of Independence: The Rise of Nationalism

7. On October 4, 1966, Basutoland gained independence and became the Kingdom of Lesotho (Lesotho Government, 2023). 01 King Moshoeshoe II became the first monarch of the newly independent nation. 02 Lesotho faced challenges, including poverty and political instability. 03 Independence Achieved: Lesotho is Born King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho, receiving the Constitutional Instruments from Princess Marina of England

8. Important dates and people in Lesotho history Moshoeshoe: United various groups to repel challenges from Zulus in the 1820s (BBC, 2023). Chief Leabua Jonathan: Prime minister when Lesotho gained independence in 1966 (BBC, 2023) . King Letsie III: Restored to the throne in 1995 (BBC, 2023) . 1786: Birth of King Moshoeshoe 1 (BBC, 2023). 1833: Three missionaries were given permission to found a mission station in Basutoland (now Lesotho) (BBC, 2023) . 1884: Lesotho became a British colony (BBC, 2023). October 4, 1966: Lesotho's independence day (BBC, 2023).

9. Important places and events in Lesotho history Places Thaba-Bosiu - Moshoeshoe soke refuge at the unconquerable Thaba-Bosiu plateau (BBC, 2023). Qalabane mountain - hosted Ntoa-ea-lithunya in 1880-82 ( On This Day, n.d.). Events 1820s - formation of Basutoland ( On This Day, n.d.).. 1860s - Becomes a British protectorate ( On This Day, n.d.). 1966 - Independence as Kingdom of Lesotho, with Moshoeshoe II as king and Chief Leabua Jonathan (Basotho National Party) as prime minister ( On This Day, n.d.).

10. References BBC. (2013, August 21). “ Lesotho profile - Timeline.” Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cwlw3xz0z14t/lesotho (Accessed on April 23, 2024) Lesotho Government. (2023, January 11). “ About Lesotho.” Available at: https://www.gov.ls/about-lesotho/ (Accessed on April 23, 2024) Mphahlele, B. P. (2010). “History of Lesotho” . Morija Museum & Archives. Available at: https://www.morijamuseum.org/ (Accessed on April 23, 2024) Rosenberg, S. (2023, March 3). “ Lesotho” . Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Lesotho (Accessed on April 23, 2024) On This Day (n.d.) “ Lesotho History Timeline.” Available at: https://www.onthisday.com/countries/lesotho (Accessed on April 23, 2024)

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