SOUTHERN RHODESIA Meaning and
Definition
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Southern Rhodesia was a former British self-governing territory in southern Africa from 1923 to 1965. Located between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, it is now known as Zimbabwe. This region was named after Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman, politician, and imperialist, who played a significant role in the colonization of Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Southern Rhodesia had a political system where it enjoyed self-government, meaning it had its own government institutions and political autonomy, while remaining under the sovereignty of the British Crown. The territory was ruled by a British-appointed Administrator until 1923 when it achieved the status of a self-governing British colony.
Southern Rhodesia’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, particularly mining and farming. It had rich deposits of minerals, including gold, chrome, and asbestos, which attracted European settlers and led to the establishment of mining industries. The fertile land also allowed for successful farming of crops such as tobacco, maize, and cotton.
The territory’s political history was marked by tensions between the European settlers and the indigenous African population, leading to racial segregation and discriminatory policies. These policies favored the European minority and created social and political unrest. In 1965, Southern Rhodesia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ian Smith, declared unilateral independence from Britain, precipitating international condemnation and sanctions.
Overall, Southern Rhodesia was a former British territory in southern Africa that enjoyed self-government and was named after Cecil Rhodes. It had a significant impact on the economic, political, and social development of the region.
Common Misspellings for SOUTHERN RHODESIA
- aouthern rhodesia
- zouthern rhodesia
- xouthern rhodesia
- douthern rhodesia
- eouthern rhodesia
- wouthern rhodesia
- siuthern rhodesia
- skuthern rhodesia
- sluthern rhodesia
- sputhern rhodesia
- s0uthern rhodesia
- s9uthern rhodesia
- soythern rhodesia
- sohthern rhodesia
- sojthern rhodesia
- soithern rhodesia
- so8thern rhodesia
- so7thern rhodesia
- sourhern rhodesia
Etymology of SOUTHERN RHODESIA
The word "Southern Rhodesia" derives its name from Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman and politician, who played a significant role in the colonization of Africa during the late 19th century. Cecil Rhodes was a major figure in the British Empire's expansion and had considerable influence in the region.
Southern Rhodesia was initially named after Rhodes because it was founded by the British South Africa Company, which he established to further British interests in Africa. The colony was chartered by the company and became known as Southern Rhodesia in honor of Cecil Rhodes.
However, in 1980, Southern Rhodesia gained independence from British rule and became the independent nation of Zimbabwe. The country's name was changed in line with its new status and to reflect its aspirations as a liberated African nation.
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