Rhodesian Bush War

Quick Facts: Who was Rhodesian Bush War?

Subject:

Rhodesian Bush War

Known for:

A 1964–1979 civil conflict in Rhodesia leading to the end of white minority rule.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Rhodesian Bush War, also known as the Rhodesian Civil War, the Second Chimurenga or the Zimbabwe War of Independence, was a civil conflict from July 1964 to December 1979 in the unrecognised state of Rhodesia (later the temporary British colony of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, and now the independent Zimbabwe). The conflict pitted three forces against one another: the Rhodesian white minority-led government of Ian Smith (later the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian government of Bishop Abel Muzorewa); militant African guerillas organisations such as the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), the military wing of Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU); and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army of Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU). The war and its subsequent Internal Settlement, signed in 1978 by Smith and Muzorewa, led to the implementation of universal suffrage in June 1979 and the end of white minority rule in Rhodesia, which was renamed Zimbabwe Rhodesia under a black majority government. However, this new order failed to win international recognition and the war continued. Neither side achieved a military victory and a compromise was later reached.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Negotiations between the government of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, the government of the United Kingdom, and Mugabe and Nkomo's united "Patriotic Front" took place at Lancaster House, London in December 1979, and the Lancaster House Agreement was signed. The country returned temporarily to British control and new elections were held under British and Commonwealth supervision in March 1980. ZANU won the election and Mugabe became the first Prime Minister of Zimbabwe on 18 April 1980, when the country achieved internationally recognised independence. The origin of the war in Rhodesia can be traced to the conquest of the region by the British South Africa Company in the late 19th century, and the dissent of native leaders who opposed foreign rule. Britons began settling in Southern Rhodesia in the 1890s, and while it was never accorded full dominion status, these settlers effectively governed the country after 1923.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In his famous "Wind of Change" speech, UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan revealed Britain's new policy to only permit independence to its African colonies under majority rule. But many white Rhodesians were concerned that such immediate change would cause chaos as had resulted in the former Belgian Congo after its independence in 1960. Britain's unwillingness to compromise led to Rhodesia's unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) on 11 November 1965. Although Rhodesia had the private support of neighbouring South Africa and Portugal, which still governed Mozambique, it never gained diplomatic recognition from any country. Although the vote in Rhodesia was constitutionally open regardless of race, property requirements left many Black Africans unable to participate.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1923: 1923 Milestone — Britons began settling in Southern Rhodesia in the 1890s, and while it was never accorded full dominion status, these settlers effectively governed the country after 1923.
2. 1960: 1960 Milestone — But many white Rhodesians were concerned that such immediate change would cause chaos as had resulted in the former Belgian Congo after its independence in 1960.
3. 1964: 1964 Milestone — The Rhodesian Bush War, also known as the Rhodesian Civil War, the Second Chimurenga or the Zimbabwe War of Independence, was a civil conflict from July 1964 to December 1979 in the unrecognised state of Rhodesia (later the temporary British colony of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, and now the independent Zimbabwe).
4. 1965: 1965 Milestone — Britain's unwillingness to compromise led to Rhodesia's unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) on 11 November 1965.
5. 1978: 1978 Milestone — The war and its subsequent Internal Settlement, signed in 1978 by Smith and Muzorewa, led to the implementation of universal suffrage in June 1979 and the end of white minority rule in Rhodesia, which was renamed Zimbabwe Rhodesia under a black majority government.
6. 1979: 1979 Milestone — Negotiations between the government of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, the government of the United Kingdom, and Mugabe and Nkomo's united "Patriotic Front" took place at Lancaster House, London in December 1979, and the Lancaster House Agreement was signed.
7. 1980: 1980 Milestone — The country returned temporarily to British control and new elections were held under British and Commonwealth supervision in March 1980.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Rhodesian Bush War

True or False: “The Rhodesian Bush War began immediately after Britain granted full majority rule across all its African colonies in 1960.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Britain's policy was revealed later by Harold Macmillan; the conflict escalated due to white Rhodesians fearing immediate change and leading to UDI in 1965.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abedi Pele — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• A. P. Elkin — Historical peer (Died in 1979) (1979): Influential Australian anthropologist and Anglican clergyman (1891–1979)
• A. Philip Randolph — Historical peer (Died in 1979) (1979): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Aldo Moro — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Italian statesman who served as Prime Minister multiple times, championing the modern Italian centre-left.
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Born in 1923) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Ahmet Ertegun — Historical peer (Born in 1923) (1923): Pioneering Turkish-American music executive, co-founder of Atlantic Records.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodesian Bush War