The National Identity of Rhodesia: Colonialism and Contradiction
Date
2023-04
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Keyhole Press, The University of Tampa
Abstract
This paper examines the mentality and nationalism
of Southern Rhodesians and the contradiction inherent
in their beliefs. Southern Rhodesian nationalism
was built upon contradiction and their colonial past.
They formed an identity of settler nationalism that both
simultaneously embraced and rejected their British heritage.
Southern Rhodesian secession from the British
Empire was seen by Rhodesians as if they were forced
out, whereas they chose to leave fearing de-colonization.
Despite declaring independence to avoid handing
the country over to the native Africans, Rhodesians saw
their country as being inherently just. Colonial values
and mentalities were held at the core of their identity,
leading to the perpetuation and enhancement of a system
of oppression over the native Africans. However,
mistreatment of natives was glossed over and blamed on
communism, or new immigrants. There was an inherent
contradiction were the Rhodesians believed themselves
not to be oppressive, all the while holding all the country’s
wealth and political power. It was a country that
believed itself to be loved by the native Africans, despite
being at war with African liberation groups within the
country. This paper was produced in Dr. Palmer’s HIS
400 course.
Description
Recommended citation: Valentonis, Alexander. “The National Identity of Rhodesia: Colonialism and Contradiction.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 4, (2023): 145-70. https://doi.org/10.48497/C742-GW62.
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Keywords
Rhodesia, Africa, Colonialism, Britian, Zimbabwe, History
Citation
Valentonis, Alexander. “The National Identity of Rhodesia: Colonialism and Contradiction.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 4, (2023): 145-70. https://doi.org/10.48497/C742-GW62.