Study Notes on the Rise of Nationalist Movements in Zimbabwe

Until the Second World War, African countries were primarily under European colonial powers.
Post-war period saw the rise of African nationalism, leading to decolonisation and independence:
  - Ghana was the first independent state in sub-Saharan Africa in 1957.
  - Most African countries gained independence through peaceful negotiations.
  - Regions with significant European settlers, however, faced wars of liberation.
    - Algeria's eight-year war for independence from France concluded in 1962.
    - Kenya's Mau Mau uprising resulted in acceptance of black majority rule in 1963.
    - The Belgian Congo's independence led to violence and civil war.
    - Angola faced a prolonged civil war post-independence due to Cold War interventions.
Rhodesia/Zimbabwe's independence was achieved in 1980 after a long struggle against white rule.
- Non-violent political organisations and strikes preceded armed resistance against the white minority.

Fact: The name "Zimbabwe" originates from a kingdom that thrived between the 13th and 15th centuries, ruled by the Shona people, controlling the ivory and gold trade to the Swahili coast.
In the 1960s, nationalist groups adopted the name to signify African achievement and heritage linked to the pre-colonial past.

1890: The British South Africa Company (BSAC) begins colonising Rhodesia.
1896-1897: BSAC suppresses uprisings by Shona and Ndebele peoples.
1923: Southern Rhodesia becomes a self-governing colony.
1930: Land Apportionment Act enforces white land control.
1953: Formation of the Central African Federation.
1957: Re-launch of Southern Rhodesian African National Congress (SRANC).
1965: Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) announced by Rhodesian Front government.

Zimbabwe's historical name "Rhodesia" reflects the influence of Cecil Rhodes, who exploited the region for its resources.
Cecil John Rhodes (1853-1902): A businessman and politician known for establishing a commercial empire in southern Africa.
In 1889, Rhodes was granted a charter by the British government to colonise this area.
The white settlers began arriving in 1890, quickly suppressing local uprisings to secure control.
By 1914, approximately 25,000 white settlers controlled vast ranches, leading to the loss of independence for native populations.

The British government transitioned governing power to white settlers in 1923, after a referendum rejected Rhodesia becoming part of South Africa.
White settlers had significant control, governing with little British oversight, reinforcing racial power dynamics.

The electoral system allowed whites to dominate, with only 560 Africans eligible to vote out of a total population of 4 million by the 1950s.
Land Apportionment Act of 1930 divided land favorably towards white settlers, leading to impoverished reserves for Africans without land ownership rights.
Growing resentment and hardship in these reserves led to rising tension and protests.

The Great Depression exacerbated the economic struggles of black farmers confined to overcrowded reserves leading to famine and ecological damage.
After the war, the economic strategy shifted with the Land Husbandry Act of 1951, intensifying labor migration to towns.

In 1953, the Central African Federation (CAF) was formed, with Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland.
Despite white settlers' economic motivations, African opposition led to significant protests, weakening the federation.
Prominent African leaders emerged, notably Joshua Nkomo, Ndabaningi Sithole, and Robert Mugabe, advocating for independence.

The outbreak of World War II increased African awareness of inequality and sparked demands for self-determination after black soldiers returned claiming equality.
The revived SRANC in 1945 and the emergence of more militant associations in the 1950s marked the growth of African nationalism.
Significant events included:
  - Formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 1960, promoting active resistance against white rule.
  - Launch of Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) in 1962, embracing militant strategies.
  - Formation of Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963, emphasizing confrontation with the minority rule.

The Rhodesian Front, led by Ian Smith, declared UDI on 11 November 1965, severing ties with Britain and refusing to accept majority rule.
This act was condemned internationally as illegal, prompting sanctions from Britain and global bodies.
Britain opted against military intervention, fearing backlash from the large white minority and global ramifications.

UDI brought immediate condemnation from various international organizations, including the UN and the Organisation of African Unity.
Sanctions imposed had limited effects, reinforced a siege mentality among settlers, and faced challenges due to smuggling operations.
The TanZam Railway built by China aimed to assist Zambia in reducing dependence on Rhodesia amid continued hostility.

After decades of colonialism, oppression, and resistance, Zimbabwe achieved independence in 1980, culminating a prolonged struggle marked by significant leadership, civil strife, and influential political developments.