Northern Rhodesia

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Cecil Rhodes

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The arms of the British South Africa Company

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The Legislative Assembly with Colonial Secretary Arthur Creech Jones

Northern Rhodesia was a British Protectorate in south-central Africa, which existed from 1911 until 1964. It was created from the amalgamation of the British South Africa Company's territories north of the Zambezi River, namely North-Eastern Rhodesia and North-Western Rhodesia, and was federated with Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953 to form the Central African Federation, which lasted until the end of 1963. In 1964, Northern Rhodesia gained independence as the Republic of Zambia.

History

The history of Northern Rhodesia was marked by British colonial administration after the end of the British South Africa Company's administration in 1924. The territory was administered by a British Governor under the Colonial Office. The discovery of vast copper deposits in the 1920s led to an economic boom, and the region became the world's fourth largest producer of copper.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the wave of decolonization across Africa reached Northern Rhodesia. Nationalist movements, particularly the United National Independence Party (UNIP) led by Kenneth Kaunda, gained momentum. The push for independence was part of a larger movement that sought to end colonial rule across Africa.

Geography

Northern Rhodesia was located in south-central Africa and bordered the Belgian Congo to the north, Tanganyika to the northeast, Portuguese East Africa (modern-day Mozambique) to the east, Southern Rhodesia to the south, South West Africa (modern-day Namibia) to the southwest, and Angola to the west. The territory included vast lakes, rivers, and the famous Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most renowned waterfalls in the world.

Economy

The economy of Northern Rhodesia was heavily dependent on mining, particularly copper mining in the Copperbelt region. Agriculture and forestry also played significant roles in the economy, with maize, tobacco, and timber being important products. The British South Africa Company had initially obtained mineral rights in the territory, leading to the development of mining infrastructure and attracting foreign investment.

Politics

The political landscape in Northern Rhodesia was complex, with significant involvement from British colonial authorities, the British South Africa Company, and, increasingly over time, African nationalist movements. The establishment of the Central African Federation in 1953 was a controversial move that aimed to combine the economic resources and infrastructure of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland but was opposed by many Africans who feared it would entrench white minority rule.

Path to Independence

The path to independence for Northern Rhodesia was marked by negotiations between the British government, white settlers, and African nationalists. The breakdown of the Central African Federation and the rise of nationalist movements led by figures like Kenneth Kaunda paved the way for independence. On October 24, 1964, Northern Rhodesia became the independent Republic of Zambia, with Kaunda as its first president.

Legacy

The legacy of Northern Rhodesia is closely tied to the history and development of Zambia. The colonial period left a mark on the country's political, economic, and social structures. The struggle for independence in Northern Rhodesia is an important chapter in the broader narrative of African decolonization in the 20th century.