Nationalism, the armed struggle and independence

Early nationalism

After the Second World War, African nationalism grew across the continent. In Zimbabwe, trade unions and associations led to nationalist parties in the 1950s and 1960s. Banned parties regrouped under new names, leading to ZAPU (1961) and ZANU (1963).

UDI and the armed struggle

• 11 November 1965: Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front government declared UDI to block majority rule. Britain and the UN imposed sanctions.
• 28 April 1966: the Battle of Chinhoyi, regarded as the start of the Second Chimurenga/Umvukela.
• The guerrilla armies ZANLA and ZIPRA operated from Mozambique and Zambia, supported by the rural population and the Frontline States.

Towards independence

• Failed settlements (the 1971 proposals, the 1978 Internal Settlement).
• The Lancaster House Conference (September–December 1979) agreed a ceasefire and constitution.
• Elections in February 1980; independence on 18 April 1980.

Decolonisation elsewhere

Ghana became independent in 1957, the first sub-Saharan African colony to do so. Most African countries gained independence in the 1960s; Namibia in 1990; South Africa ended apartheid with democratic elections in 1994.

Check yourself

1. What was UDI and when was it declared?
2. Name the two guerrilla armies of the liberation struggle.
3. Which African country became independent in 1957?