Southern Rhodesia

Southern Rhodesia was a British colony in Africa that is now the country of Zimbabwe. It was first taken over by the British South Africa Company (BSAC), a group led by Cecil Rhodes, in 1888. Over time, more white people moved there, and they wanted to run their own government instead of joining with South Africa.

During the Great Depression, the colony's economy struggled, but things improved during the Second World War, when many people moved there. However, the government at that time was mostly controlled by white people, who made rules that were unfair to the African population, such as limiting where they could live or work.

In 1953, Southern Rhodesia joined with two other areas, 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, leading to a conflict known as the Rhodesian Bush War. Finally, in 1980, the colony became an independent country named Zimbabwe after agreements were made to ensure fair government for all its people.

History

British South Africa Company Period (1889-1923)

Main article: Company rule in Rhodesia

In 1889, the United Kingdom allowed the British South Africa Company to control land north of British Bechuanaland. The company started building a settlement called Fort Salisbury, now Harare, in a place known as Mashonaland.

Later, the company had trouble with the local Ndebele people, leading to wars. There was also a failed plan called the Jameson raid to take control of a nearby area. These events caused tension and changes in how the land was governed. By 1898, the area was officially 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 in many places. The economy grew, especially 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 create 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, leaving it with a strong military.

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 between the government and groups wanting change. Eventually, talks led to independence for the new country of Zimbabwe in 1980.

Judiciary

Main article: High Court of Southern Rhodesia