ZIMSEC A Level · History · Form 5, Form 6
The settler economy
Mining, commercial agriculture (tobacco, maize) and manufacturing grew on cheap African labour and land policy.
- Industrial Conciliation Act (1934): excluded Africans from the definition of "employee", blocking skilled jobs and unions.
- Maize Control Acts favoured settler farmers.
- Native Land Husbandry Act (1951): enforced destocking and land rules in reserves, causing widespread resentment.
African responses
Peasant production, migration to towns and mines, independent churches, welfare and trade unions (e.g. the 1948 general strike), and early political associations.
The Central African Federation (1953–63)
Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Nyasaland (Malawi).
- Aims claimed: economic development and "partnership" between races.
- Reality: benefits concentrated in Southern Rhodesia (Kariba Dam, industry); Africans opposed white domination.
- Collapse: African nationalism in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the Monckton Commission (1960), and British decisions led to dissolution in 1963; Zambia and Malawi became independent in 1964.
Exam tip: Use specific laws and dates – they turn general claims into evidence-based arguments.
Check yourself
- Which law excluded Africans from industrial bargaining in 1934?
- Which three territories formed the Federation?
- Give two reasons for the collapse of the Federation.
Show answers
- The Industrial Conciliation Act.
- Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
- Any two: African nationalist opposition, unequal benefits, Monckton Commission, British policy change.
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