British South Africa Company facts for kids

The British South Africa Company was a powerful company. It was started by Cecil Rhodes. The UK government gave it a special permission, called a charter, in 1889. This charter allowed the company to manage British areas in southern Africa. These areas later became known as Rhodesia.

What Was the British South Africa Company?

The British South Africa Company, often called the BSAC, was a very important business. It was not just a company that bought and sold things. It also acted like a government in parts of Africa. It had its own police force and collected taxes. It even built roads and railways.

Who Was Cecil Rhodes?

Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman and politician. He was born in 1853 and moved to southern Africa when he was young. He became very rich from diamond mining. Rhodes had a big dream. He wanted to expand the British Empire across Africa. He imagined a railway line from Cairo in Egypt all the way to Cape Town in South Africa. The BSAC was a big part of his plan.

Why Was the Company Formed?

The main reason for forming the BSAC was to make money. People believed there was a lot of gold and other valuable minerals in southern Africa. The company also wanted to expand British control. It aimed to secure land and resources for Britain. This was part of a bigger movement called the "Scramble for Africa." European countries were trying to claim as much land as possible.

Where Did the Company Operate?

The British South Africa Company operated in a large area of southern Africa. This land is now part of modern-day Zimbabwe and Zambia. These areas were named "Rhodesia" after Cecil Rhodes. Southern Rhodesia is now Zimbabwe. Northern Rhodesia is now Zambia. The company also had interests in other nearby regions.

Governing Southern Africa

The BSAC was given the power to govern these vast territories. It signed agreements with local leaders. Sometimes, these agreements were not fully understood by everyone. The company set up its own administration. It created laws and built towns. It also developed mines and farms. The company's goal was to make these areas profitable for Britain.

Building Railways and Mines

One of the company's big projects was building railways. These railways helped to transport minerals and goods. They also made it easier for people to travel. The BSAC also focused on mining. They searched for gold, diamonds, and other valuable resources. This work brought many changes to the region.

How Did the Company End?

The British South Africa Company's power slowly decreased over time. The people living in Rhodesia wanted more control over their own lands. In 1923, Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing colony. This meant it could manage its own affairs. Northern Rhodesia became a British protectorate in 1924. The BSAC continued to have some business interests. However, it no longer governed the territories. The company finally ended in 1965. Its remaining assets were taken over by other companies.

Images for kids

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  The first board of directors of the British South Africa Company, 1889. Top Row: Horace Farquhar; Albert Grey; Alfred Beit. Middle Row: the Duke of Fife; C. J. Rhodes (Founder and managing director in South Africa); the Duke of Abercorn. Bottom Row: Lord Gifford, V.C.; Herbert Canning(Secretary); George Cawston.

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  British South Africa Company stamp used to validate emergency issue currency for use in Bulawayo, authorized by Hugh Marshall Hole.

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  Africa from Cairo to the Cape (according to Cecil Rhodes)

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  The arms of the British South Africa Company

See also

In Spanish: Compañía Británica de Sudáfrica para niños