Description
A perfect digitally-restored copy of a Rhodesian government-endorsed publication issued on the 75th anniversary of that nation in 1965. It is the only official history of Rhodesia ever published which provides an overview of events from the time of the 1890 “Pioneer Columns” to just before the world-famous “Unilateral Declaration of Independence” in 1965.
Starting with an introduction by the Prime Minister, Ian Smith, the book then discusses in detail the founding of the country, the struggle with the Shona rebellion, the later political developments (including the abortive federation with Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland (today Zambia and Malawi), and includes the first portend of the soon-to-come independence issue.
Along the way, a number of fascinating articles detail Rhodesia’s remarkable short progress in the agricultural, industrial, economic, and military sectors, perhaps best summed up by the two photographs of the capital city Salisbury, one taken in 1898, and the other in 1965.
The earlier picture shows less than thirty corrugated tin-roofed houses and sheds, while the second picture, taken only 67 years later, shows a modern city, complete with all the infrastructure found in any First World metropolis.
Significantly, the book ends with an appeal for more white immigrants to bolster and grow that sector of the population.
This is an exact reproduction of the original, and also includes all its advertisements, many of which are as instructive and rare as the publication itself (such as those from many well-known international companies, and a full-page advertisement taken out by the country’s ruling Rhodesian Front party).
This reproduction of an extremely rare document is of value to researchers, collectors, and history aficionados alike.
Contents
Introduction by the Hon. I. D. Smith, Prime Minister of Rhodesia
Seventy Five Proud Years: In the Beginning
The Pioneers Arrive
The Defeat of the Impis
Jameson’s Folly
The Rebellions
A Different Courage
Amalgamation Proposed
Responsible Government
Difficult Times
Closer Association
Federation
Kariba
Authority Defied
Southern Rhodesia Politics
New Constitution
Federation Threatened
The Turn of the Tide
Triumph for Violence
On Our Own
Independence Issue
A New Leader
Prophets Confounded
A Bright and Exhilarating Future
Salisbury—the Mother City
Merchant Adventurers who founded Rhodesia
Chronological Table of Events
Maps:
Land Apportionment
Minerals and Agricultural Products
Index to Participants
All photographs from the Rhodesian National Archives and the Rhodesia Information Service.
128 pages. Paperback.
