Southern Rhodesia

History

Southern Rhodesia was a British colony in Africa. Today, it is called Zimbabwe. In 1888, a group called the British South Africa Company (BSAC), led by Cecil Rhodes, took control of the area.

Over time, more white people moved there. They wanted to govern themselves instead of joining South Africa.

During the Great Depression, the economy had problems. Things got better during the Second World War, when many people moved to the area. But the government was mostly run by white people. They made unfair rules for the African people, such as limiting where they could live or work.

In 1953, Southern Rhodesia joined with Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. This union ended in 1963.

In 1965, the leader of Southern Rhodesia, Ian Smith, declared independence from Britain. This led to a conflict called the Rhodesian Bush War. In 1980, the colony became an independent country named Zimbabwe after agreements were made for a fair government for everyone.

History

British South Africa Company Period (1889-1923)

Main article: Company rule in Rhodesia

In 1889, the United Kingdom let the British South Africa Company control land north of British Bechuanaland. The company built a settlement called Fort Salisbury, now Harare, in a place called Mashonaland.

Later, the company had trouble with the local Ndebele people, which led to wars. There was also a failed plan called the Jameson raid. These events caused tension and changes in how the land was governed. By 1898, the area was named Southern Rhodesia, and settlers began to have more say in how things were run.

Southern Rhodesia Until The Federation (1923-1953)

In 1923, the United Kingdom took control of Southern Rhodesia. During World War II, soldiers from Southern Rhodesia fought for the United Kingdom. The economy grew after a tough time in the 1930s, and many new settlers arrived.

A university was started in Salisbury, and it later became the University of Zimbabwe.

Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953-1963)

Main article: Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

In 1953, Southern Rhodesia joined with two other areas to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The goal was to make a stronger group of countries. Southern Rhodesia used money from the federation to build important structures like the Kariba Dam.

The federation ended in 1964. Southern Rhodesia kept most of the federation's resources, which made its military strong.

Southern Rhodesia Until The Unilateral Declaration of Independence (1963-1965)

In 1965, Southern Rhodesia's government, led by white settlers, declared independence from the United Kingdom. This led to a long struggle. Eventually, talks led to independence for the new country of Zimbabwe in 1980.

Judiciary

Main article: High Court of Southern Rhodesia