[ Big Picture ] - Why?

Natural resources and balance of power were the two dominant reasons for conquest all around the world. The French exploited Vietnam for its raw materials such as coffee, rubber, and tea. Also, Vietnam was a direct trade center with China, which was an appealing aspect to the French who did not want to be left behind in the competition for foreign power. In 1500-50s, the Spaniards colonized Venezuela for its infamous city of gold, El Dorado. In the 1800s, the British invaded Nigeria during the scramble for Africa and monopolized the palm-oil trade. Even back in 639 AD, there were feud to control Egypt, or part of the “Egyptian pie.” From the Arabs to the Ottomans, Egypt was handed over from one dynasty to another. To meet the demands for raw materials and to keep a balance in power, powerful countries dominated weaker, more resourceful areas. 

[[ Bigger Picture ]] - Lasting Effects

Although many places experienced harsh treatments under subjugating rule, there were lasting benefits from the antibiosis for the defeated country. British occupied areas generally gained economical and educational advantages. In order to control and facilitate trade in the three territories of Ghana, the Colony, Asante, and the Northern Territories otherwise known as the Gold Coast, the Europeans introduced railroads, postal services, and telecommunication. The natives were able to plant new cash crops, such as cacao, which later served as the foundation in the nation’s economy. Similarly, in Burma, the British built schools and universities taught both English and Burmese. Not only did they promote education, the British introduced western and democratic ideas to the younger generations through western teachings. Also, the government encouraged Christian missionaries to give financial assistance to the poor. Instead of horse and cow driven carts, modern technology created a map of railways, trains, steamboats in Burma and India as well. With a European demand for tropical products and the automotive industry, Indonesia experienced exponential growth in both the economy and the population. However, many other countries such as Mexico, which lost almost all traces of its Aztec and Mayan origins from the 300 year long Spanish conquest, suffer from irrevocable detriments. In Mexico, the very fabric of the language was torn apart to be replaced by Spanish, the language of the conquistadors. When the Spaniards enforced Catholicism in Colombia, the majority religion in Spain, they destroyed the previous plethora of religious beliefs. Overall, the conquests left a lasting trail of both good and bad changes that altered the invaded countries in economy, education, culture, and religion. 

[[ Biggest Picture ]] - In the Future

Just as a compass swivels around before settling into one direction, I believe that the civil wars and internal turmoil within the recently freed countries are an inevitable step to gain the upmost stability. After gaining independence from Britain, even America had its own civil war where they fought over the issues of slavery and states’ rights. In 1967, after Major General Suharto took control of Indonesia from the unpopular president, Sukarno, he began to make reforms that would stabilize Indonesia. Suharto outlawed communists, replaced many government officials, and also accepted Indonesia into the UN. By controlling foreign investments, increasing oil exports and food production, and decreasing population growth, Indonesia experienced high economic growth. With time, these independent countries will guide themselves to the right direction to stability, and prosperity. 

Zimbabwe.

With the conclusion of the Zimbabwe Liberation War came the initiation of majority rule in 1980. On the faithful day of April 18, 1980, the United Kingdom finally relinquished Zimbabwe its freedom. Independence celebrations were held in Rufaro stadium in Salisbury, the capital. The famous reggae artist Bob Marley honored this event with his song, Zimbabwe, at the concert celebrating the country's independence. 

We Fight for Liberty!

After the annexation of Southern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Company in 1961, a constitution was formed that favored powerful white men (F). The newly formed government declared its independence from the United Kingdom, but instead of recognizing this act, the UK demanded more complete voting rights for the native majority in Rhodesia (F). At the same time, the black African majority in Rhodesia brewed a growing dissent against the white minority. They soon began to demand equal access to jobs and the participation in their own government. The Zimbabweans formed the National Democratic Party (NDP) to achieve African rule through riots and acts of arson (F).

The Rhodesian government banned the NDP, but Joshua Nkomo formed another group with the same purpose called the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU). They reconstituted their objectives:

1.  “The establishment of one-man-one-vote as the basis of government in Zimbabwe” (F)
2.  “The unification of the African people so as to allow them to liberate themselves from imperialism and colonialism” (F)
3. “The elimination of oppression in all forms” (F)
4. “The development of the best values in the African tradition to facilitate the establishment of a desirable order” (F)

Eventually, both the Rhodesians and the Africans realized that in order to gain independence, bloodshed and war was inevitable. The Rhodesian government also banned the ZAPU, but instead of disbanding the ZAPU split into the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) under Ndabaningi Sithole (F). Both the ZANU and the ZAPU envisioned a near freedom, but while the ZANU advocated immediate armed response, the ZAPU sought international intervention and help (F). This division limited a strong united front against the common enemy, the Rhodesians. However, in the late 1960’s the ZANU and the ZAPU came together for both political and military unity. Soon, a combined force of ZANU and ZAPU opposed the Rhodesians mostly through politics and some small military actions. 

Self-Government

The British South Africa Company (BSAC) allowed continuous European settlements. However, conflict sparked between the colonies and the company and Southern Rhodesia was annexed to the crown (B). Then, African natives were deemed as British subjects and the colonies received a basic constitution (C). Also, BSAC sold the mineral rights to the territory for 2 million dollars, which allowed a government to form (C). With that settled, more sparks lit fire to the relationship between the colonies and the natives. Europeans dominated foreign affairs and harbored powers to safeguard the rights of Africans (C). However, in 1930 Southern Rhodesia adopted a land apportionment act that reserved half the total land for Europeans including (C)

• Mining and other industrial regions
• Railroads and roads

The rest were given to the Tribal Trust Land that allotted barren and dearth fields to the natives (C). This was a first to many other acts that adopted the policy of dividing land on a racial basis.

In 1953, Central African Federation (CAF) formed, consisting of 3 British territories (D)

• ·  Northern Rhodesia (today’s Zambia)
•    Nyasaland (today’s Malawi) 
•    Southern Rhodesia (today’s Zimbabwe)

The CAF retained the original constitutional status but disbanded after Southern Rhodesia pulled out. After, Southern Rhodesia sought an independent course and became the former Zimbabwe, Rhodesia (D). 

Flag Of Rhodesia from 1965 -1979

The First Chimurenga

In 1896, a growing number within the Shona rebelled against Rhodes, and a combined force of Ndebele and Shona rose in revolt called the First Chimurenga, which means "war of liberation." (C) Unfortunately, Rhodes annihilated the Shona with the extensive use of Western weaponry such as…

·         Dynamite

·         Auto Maxim guns

·         Hand cranked Gatling

Helpless under these advanced machinery, the Shona faced immense loss of land and cattle, which was a foundation in the means of livelihood and a symbol of prestige (D).

In 1990, the British South Africa Company established complete control over Bulawayo (B). As they entered into war, the people of Ndebele were forced to set their homes on fire and flee. During this time, Cecil Rhodes compromised an alliance with the Shona, the ancient rivals of Ndebele, for mutual protection (B). When the Ndebele was brought down its knees, there was nothing to stop the impeding European progress and settlement that soon formed the country Southern Rhodesia.

Flag of Southern Rhodesia from 1968 to 1979