Valentonis, Alexander S.2023-04-262023-04-262023-04Valentonis, 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.http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11868/3916Recommended 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.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.en-USRhodesiaAfricaColonialismBritianZimbabweHistoryArticlehttps://doi.org/10.48497/C742-GW62