Zimbabwe - external pressures

where did a conflict rage throughout the 70s?

Throughout the 1970s a conflict raged in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) between lan Smith's white minority regime and the liberation movements of ZAPU and ZANU.

what did ZANU gradually emerge as?

ZANU gradually emerged as the most effective military force, relying upon Chinese assistance for military hardware and training.

who meanwhile sought help from South Africa?

The white minority government, meanwhile, sought help from South Africa.

why was Pretoria in a predicament regarding Zimbabwe?

Pretoria was in a predicament regarding Zimbabwe. The National Party feared communist governments taking power in the neighbouring states, but recognised that Zimbabwe could not last with a white minority government.

what did Pretoria provide?

They provided enough assistance for lan Smith's government to survive and encouraged an internal settlement with moderate African leaders.

What did South Africa accept by the late 1970s?

by the late 1970s South Africa accepted that Smith would have to negotiate with the Zimbabwean liberation movements.

where did the Zimbabwean parties meet and what did they agree on?

The Zimbabwean parties met at Lancaster House in London in 1979 and agreed on a constitution that ensured democratic elections.

who won a convincing victory in 1980 and who was the new president?

ZANU won a convincing victory in 1980 and the new president, Robert Mugabe, was initially supportive of reconciliation.

what were whites temporarily given?

Whites were temporarily given a minority of parliamentary seats.

what was a central issue in Zimbabwe?

Land reform - a central issue in Zimbabwe - was to be based on a willing buyer willing seller principle.

what did western governments promise?

Western governments, particularly Britain, promised substantial financial resources to underwrite purchase of land from white farmers.

what did south africa do, and what did botha decide?

South Africa watched this process warily and did not directly undermine it. Both had decided that the costs of supporting Smith's government, in the face of overwhelming Western opposition to it, had become too great.

what was Mugabe in turn cautious about?

In turn, Mugabe was cautious in his dealings with South Africa and did not permit the ANC or PAC ta establish military bases or a significant presence in the new Zimbabwe.