Rhodesian Front
Quick Summary
The Rhodesian Front (RF) was a political party in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) that advocated for white minority rule and immediate independence from Britain. Founded in 1961, the RF gained power in 1962, with Ian Smith becoming prime minister in 1964.123
In 1965, the RF government, led by Smith, issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from Britain, which was not recognized internationally. The party's policies aimed to maintain white control, despite an ostensibly color-blind franchise that excluded most Black Africans from voting. International economic sanctions were imposed but were not entirely effective.12
The RF's pursuit of independence under white minority rule led to escalating guerrilla warfare by nationalist organizations like ZANU and ZAPU. Ultimately, international pressure and internal conflict forced the RF to negotiate a settlement, leading to majority rule and the establishment of Zimbabwe in 1980.1234
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Southern AfricaZimbabwe…won by the extreme right-wing Rhodesian Front (RF) party, which ran on a platform of immediate independence under white control. The Central African Federation was dissolved in 1963. Britain was unwilling to grant Rhodesia independence; in 1965 the RF, under the leadership of Ian Smith, unilaterally declared Rhodesia independent. Under…
Read More…won by the extreme right-wing Rhodesian Front (RF) party, which ran on a platform of immediate independence under white control. The Central African Federation was dissolved in 1963. Britain was unwilling to grant Rhodesia independence; in 1965 the RF, under the leadership of Ian Smith, unilaterally declared Rhodesia independent. Under…
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ZimbabweFederation…defeated by the more conservative Rhodesian Front (RF), and Winston Field became prime minister. At the end of 1963 the federation was dissolved, and Southern Rhodesia reverted to its former status as colony.
Read More…defeated by the more conservative Rhodesian Front (RF), and Winston Field became prime minister. At the end of 1963 the federation was dissolved, and Southern Rhodesia reverted to its former status as colony.
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