History of Zimbabwe

Pre-Colonial and Colonial Era

• Zimbabwe evolved from South Sambisa territory.
• Cecil Rhodes, a British industrialist, secured mining rights from local leaders.
• The territory was originally ruled by the British South Africa Company.
• Became the British Crown Colony of Southern Rhodesia.
• Post-WWII economic boom due to tobacco and chrome production.
• Migration of British families increased the white population significantly.

The Federation and Independence

• Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland created, but failed.
• Northern Rhodesia declared independence; Rhodesia became a colony.
• 1965: Rhodesia declared independence, led by Ian Smith.

Rhodesian Bush War

• Conflict involved proxy forces during the Cold War:
  • ZAPU aligned with the Soviet Union
  • ZANU aligned with China
• War involved neighboring nations and ended with British intervention.

Establishment of Zimbabwe

• Robert Mugabe became the first Prime Minister.
• Initial policies promoted inclusivity and economic growth.
• Relations with whites initially amicable.
• Mugabe's leadership saw economic aid from Britain and the USA.

Economic Decline and Political Instability

• South Africa's apartheid government and Mugabe became adversaries.
• Mugabe's policies shifted towards blaming whites for economic issues.
• Economic reforms failed in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Seizure of white-owned farms led to mass emigration.
• Hyperinflation peaked, ravaging the economy.

Mugabe's Political Legacy

• Mugabe maintained power through elections despite opposition.
• Incidents of violence against political opponents were reported.
• Mugabe expressed intentions to remain in power indefinitely.
• Grace Mugabe, his wife, speculated to consolidate power.

Military Intervention

• November 2017: Mugabe placed under house arrest by Zimbabwean Army.
• Army claims no coup occurred; political dynamics remain uncertain.
• Vice-President Emerson Mnangagwa's dismissal preceded the military action.
• Potential influence from China denied.

Conclusion

• Mugabe's 37-year rule potentially concluding.
• Future of Zimbabwe remains uncertain, with hopes for improvement.