Southern Rhodesia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Southern Rhodesia
1923–1953 1963–1965 1979–1980
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: God Save the Queen
Location of Southern Rhodesia in southern Africa.
Status	Self-governing British colony
Capital	Salisbury
Common languages	English (official) Shona and Sindebele widely spoken, some Afrikaans
Government	Self-governing Crown colony
Governor
• 1923–1928	Sir John Robert Chancellor
• 1959–1969b	Sir Humphrey Gibbs
• 1979–1980	Lord Soames
Premier / Prime Minister
• 1923–1927	Sir Charles Coghlan
• 1933–1953	Sir Godfrey Huggins
• 1964–1979	Ian Smith
History
• BSAC charter signed	1889
• Self-governing colony	1 October 1923 (1923)
• Federation	1953–1963
• UDI	11 November 1965
• Republic declared	3 March 1970
• Zimbabwe Rhodesia	1 June 1979
• Independence	17 April 1980
Area
1904	372,518 km2 (143,830 sq mi)
Population
• 1904	605764
Currency	Southern Rhodesian pound Rhodesian pound Rhodesian dollar
Preceded by Succeeded by Company rule in Rhodesia Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland Zimbabwe Rhodesia Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland Rhodesia Zimbabwe
Position not recognised by the Rhodesian government after 2 March 1970 Position not recognised by Rhodesian Government after 11 November 1965

Southern Rhodesia was a British colony in southern Africa. It was a "self-governing" colony, which meant it had some control over its own affairs. This area is now known as Zimbabwe. Southern Rhodesia existed at different times in the 1900s. It was located between the Limpopo River in the south and the Zambezi River in the north.

What Was Southern Rhodesia?

Southern Rhodesia was a territory controlled by the United Kingdom. It was named after Cecil Rhodes. He was a British businessman who played a big role in colonizing this part of Africa. The colony was officially formed in 1923. Before that, it was managed by a company called the British South Africa Company.

Becoming a Self-Governing Colony

In 1923, Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing colony. This meant it could make many of its own laws. However, it was still part of the British Empire. The British government still had some power over important matters. These included things like foreign policy and defense.

Important Leaders

The colony had a Governor who represented the British King or Queen. It also had a Premier (later called Prime Minister). This leader was in charge of the local government. Sir Charles Coghlan was the first Premier. Sir Godfrey Huggins served for a very long time.

Changes Over Time

Southern Rhodesia's history had several important changes.

The Federation (1953–1963)

From 1953 to 1963, Southern Rhodesia was part of a larger group. This group was called the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It also included Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Nyasaland (now Malawi). The Federation was created to bring these territories together. However, it eventually broke apart.

Unilateral Declaration of Independence (1965)

After the Federation ended, Southern Rhodesia faced new challenges. In 1965, the government, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, made a big decision. They declared independence from Britain on their own. This was called a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI). Britain and most other countries did not recognize this independence.

Becoming Zimbabwe

The UDI led to a long period of conflict. This conflict was known as the Rhodesian Bush War. It was fought between the government and nationalist groups. In 1979, a new country called Zimbabwe Rhodesia was formed. This was a step towards a more inclusive government. Finally, in 1980, the country gained full independence. It was renamed Zimbabwe. This marked the end of Southern Rhodesia.

Images for kids

• 

  Cecil Rhodes (1853–1902), who helped establish the colony.

• 

  White settlers in Southern Rhodesia, 1922.

• 

  A postage stamp from 1947, showing the King's visit.

• 

  How land was divided in Rhodesia in 1965.

See also

In Spanish: Rodesia del Sur para niños