Ian Smith becomes premier of Rhodesia

On April 15, 1964, the history of Rhodesia took a significant turn as Ian Smith became the premier of this southern African country. This event marked a crucial moment for the nation, leading to major political changes and shaping the trajectory of Rhodesia for years to come. Let’s delve into the details of this historical milestone and its impact.

Ian Smith’s rise to power as the premier of Rhodesia occurred amidst a backdrop of political and social turmoil. At the time, Rhodesia was a self-governing British colony, and tensions were particularly high between the white minority and the native black population. The white minority, which made up less than 5% of the population, held significant political and economic control, much to the dissatisfaction of the majority.

Smith’s appointment as premier came after the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1963. This act of dissolution was largely influenced by the desire of African nationalist movements for independence. The federation, which combined the territories of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), and Nyasaland (now Malawi), faced intense opposition from African nationalist leaders who called for self-rule.

In the midst of these challenging circumstances, Smith’s ascent to premiership signaled a shift towards a more conservative and white minority-led government. Smith was a member of the Rhodesian Front party, which aimed to maintain white supremacy and safeguard the privileges of the white minority in Rhodesia. His appointment as premier represented a decisive victory for these conservative forces.

Smith’s premiership was met with mixed reactions both locally and internationally. While he had the support of the white minority population, African nationalist movements strongly opposed his government. The key issue at hand was the denial of political power to the black majority, which fueled further resistance and discontent.

Internationally, Smith’s government faced widespread criticism and condemnation. The United Nations voiced concerns over the racial discrimination and lack of democratic representation in Rhodesia. Economic sanctions were imposed on the country, which had grave implications for its economy and further isolated Rhodesia from the international community.

Smith’s tenure as premier was dominated by his staunch resistance to African majority rule. In 1965, he unilaterally declared Rhodesia’s independence from Britain, which further exacerbated tensions with the international community. This act, known as the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), led to Rhodesia becoming a self-declared republic.

The UDI significantly deepened the isolation of Rhodesia economically and politically. The United Nations Security Council imposed comprehensive sanctions on the country, banning trade and travel with Rhodesia. These sanctions, coupled with armed resistance from African nationalist groups, plunged Rhodesia into a protracted and bloody conflict.

The Rhodesian Bush War, which lasted from 1964 to 1979, pitted the government’s security forces against various African nationalist guerrilla armies. This brutal conflict caused immense suffering and loss of life, further highlighting the deeply entrenched divisions within Rhodesian society.

It was not until 1980 that Rhodesia transitioned to independence and became the Republic of Zimbabwe under a new government led by Prime Minister Robert Mugabe. The conflict had taken a devastating toll on the country, and the wounds inflicted during Smith’s premiership would take decades to heal.

In the annals of Rhodesian history, Ian Smith’s appointment as premier marked a pivotal moment that shaped the trajectory of the nation. His conservative and uncompromising stance on issues of race and governance set the stage for a long and arduous struggle towards equality and self-determination.

The legacy of Smith’s premiership is one of controversy and division. While some admire his unwavering commitment to maintaining white minority rule, many view it as a dark chapter in Rhodesian history, characterized by oppression and conflict. Regardless of individual perspectives, Ian Smith’s premiership undeniably played a crucial role in shaping the course of Rhodesian and later Zimbabwean history.