Bush War Rhodesia 1966-1980: Africa War 17

Bush War Rhodesia 1966-1980 (Africa@War Book 17)

by Peter Baxter

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	82371 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	72 pages
Paperback	:	227 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces

FREE

The Rhodesian Bush War was a guerrilla war fought in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) from 1966 to 1980. The war was fought between the Rhodesian government and two nationalist guerrilla armies, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA). The war was a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of thousands of people. It ended in 1980 with the Lancaster House Agreement, which led to the independence of Zimbabwe.

The Origins of the War

The origins of the Rhodesian Bush War can be traced back to the early 1960s, when the white-minority government of Rhodesia unilaterally declared independence from the United Kingdom. The British government refused to recognize Rhodesia's independence, and the United Nations imposed economic sanctions on the country. In response, the Rhodesian government adopted a policy of racial segregation and white supremacy. This policy led to widespread resentment among the black majority population, and eventually to the outbreak of guerrilla warfare.

The Major Battles and Campaigns of the War

The Rhodesian Bush War was fought in a number of different regions of the country. The most significant battles and campaigns of the war included:

• The Battle of Sinoia (1967): This was the first major battle of the war. It was fought between Rhodesian security forces and ZANLA guerrillas in the Sinoia district of Rhodesia. The Rhodesians were victorious, but the battle showed that the guerrillas were a serious threat to the government.
• The Battle of Wankie (1968): This was a major battle fought between Rhodesian security forces and ZIPRA guerrillas in the Wankie district of Rhodesia. The Rhodesians were again victorious, but the battle showed that the guerrillas were becoming more sophisticated and better equipped.
• The Battle of Mount Darwin (1979): This was a major offensive launched by the Rhodesian security forces against ZANLA guerrillas in the Mount Darwin district of Rhodesia. The Rhodesians were initially successful, but the guerrillas were able to launch a counter-offensive and the battle ended in a stalemate.

The Political and Social Factors that Contributed to the War

The Rhodesian Bush War was a complex conflict with a number of different causes. The most important political and social factors that contributed to the war included:

• Racial discrimination and white supremacy: The Rhodesian government's policy of racial segregation and white supremacy was a major factor in the outbreak of the war. The black majority population resented the government's racist policies, and this resentment eventually led to violence.
• Economic inequality: The black majority population of Rhodesia was also suffering from economic inequality. The white minority controlled the country's wealth and resources, and the black majority was left in poverty. This economic inequality was another major factor that contributed to the outbreak of the war.
• The Cold War: The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union also played a role in the Rhodesian Bush War. The United States supported the Rhodesian government, while the Soviet Union supported the guerrillas. This international support helped to prolong the war and make it more difficult to resolve.

The End of the War

The Rhodesian Bush War ended in 1980 with the Lancaster House Agreement. The agreement was signed by the Rhodesian government, the ZANLA guerrillas, and the ZIPRA guerrillas. The agreement led to the independence of Zimbabwe and the end of the war.

The Legacy of the War

The Rhodesian Bush War was a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of thousands of people. The war left a lasting legacy of violence and division in Zimbabwe. However, the war also led to the independence of Zimbabwe and the end of the white-minority government. Today, Zimbabwe is a multi-racial democracy, but the legacy of the Rhodesian Bush War still lingers.

The Rhodesian Bush War was a complex and tragic conflict. The war was caused by a number of different factors, including racial discrimination, economic inequality, and the Cold War. The war lasted for over a decade and claimed the lives of thousands of people. It ended in 1980 with the Lancaster House Agreement. Today, Zimbabwe is a multi-racial democracy, but the legacy of the Rhodesian Bush War still lingers.

Bush War Rhodesia 1966-1980 (Africa@War Book 17)

by Peter Baxter

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	82371 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	72 pages
Paperback	:	227 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces

FREE