When did Rhodesia become Zimbabwe?
Andrew Henderson
Updated on March 21, 2026
When did Rhodesia become Zimbabwe?
From 12 December 1979, to 17 April 1980, Zimbabwe Rhodesia was again the British colony of Southern Rhodesia. On 18 April, Southern Rhodesia became the independent Republic of Zimbabwe.
Why did Rhodesia become Zimbabwe?
As early as 1960, African nationalist political organisations in Rhodesia agreed that the country should use the name “Zimbabwe”; they used that name as part of the titles of their organisations. Meanwhile, the white Rhodesian community was reluctant to drop the name “Rhodesia”, hence a compromise was met.
What is Rhodesia called now?
The territory to the north of the Zambezi was officially designated Northern Rhodesia by the company, and has been Zambia since 1964; that to the south, which the company dubbed Southern Rhodesia, became Zimbabwe in 1980.
What was Zimbabwe called before Rhodesia?
The name Zimbabwe was officially adopted concurrently with Britain’s grant of independence in April 1980. Prior to that point, the country had been called Southern Rhodesia from 1898 to 1964 (or 1980, according to British law), Rhodesia from 1964 to 1979, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia between June and December 1979.
Was Rhodesia a British colony?
From 1964 to 1979, Rhodesia was the name used by the former Southern Rhodesia, first as a British colony (1964–65), then as a self-declared independent country without international recognition (1965–79).
What happened to the Rhodesian SAS?
With the breakup of the Federation at the end of 1963, the Squadron was virtually destroyed by many taking the “golden handshake” and some remaining in Northern Rhodesia which included all the officers and the OC at that time. Only 38 NCO’s and men remained to serve in Southern Rhodesia.
How did Rhodesia lose the war?
The war ended when, at the behest of both South Africa (its major supporter) and the United States, the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian government ceded power to Britain in the Lancaster House Agreement in December 1979. The UK Government held another election in 1980 to form a new government.
What happened to Ian Smith of Rhodesia?
He remained in Zimbabwe until 2005, when he moved to Cape Town, South Africa, for medical reasons. He died two years later at the age of 88.
When did Rhodesia fall?
In a referendum in 1969, white voters approved a new constitution and the establishment of a republic, thereby severing Rhodesia’s last links with the British Crown, duly declared in March 1970.
When did British rule Rhodesia?
Southern Rhodesia
| Colony of Southern Rhodesia (1923–1964) (1979–1980) Colony of Rhodesia (1964–1965) | |
|---|---|
| • BSAC administration | 1890–1923 |
| • Annexed by the UK | 12 September 1923 |
| • Responsible Government | 1 October 1923 |
| • Federation | 1953–1963 |
What does it mean to slot floppies?
“slot floppies” was Rhodesian army slang for “shoot insurgents” although the term “floppies” refered more precisely to people of colour.
When were the Selous Scouts disbanded?
April 1980
The Selous Scouts were disbanded without a formal ceremony to mark the occasion in April 1980. The unit had suffered between 30 and 35 fatalities during its existence. Most of the white members of the Selous Scouts moved to South Africa to join that country’s security forces.
What does Rhodesia mean?
noun (as Southern Rhodesia) a former British colony in S Africa: declared independence 1965; name changed to Zimbabwe 1979. a historical region in S Africa that comprised the British territories of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
What happened to Rhodesia?
The economic sanctions imposed on Rhodesia were lifted in late 1979, and the country reverted to temporary British rule until elections could be held. Under the Constitution of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia (Amendment) (No. 4) Act 1979 of 11 December 1979, the country formally reverted to its colonial status as Southern Rhodesia.
What did Rhodesia do in World War I?
In terms of fighting manpower, Southern Rhodesia’s main contribution to World War I was in the trenches of the Western Front.
What was Rhodesia called before it was called Rhodesia?
Northern and Southern Rhodesia were sometimes informally called “the Rhodesias”. The term “Rhodesia” was first used to refer to the region by white settlers in the 1890s who informally named their new home after Cecil Rhodes , the Company’s founder and managing director.
