The History of Rhodesia

Test your knowledge of Rhodesia’s turbulent history, from Cecil Rhodes’s imperial ambitions to the rise of African nationalism and the birth of Zimbabwe. Each question includes a year and clue; type the correct name, leader, or event that fits. Covers major moments from 1888 to 1980, including the Rudd Concession, UDI, and the Lancaster House Agreement.

Source: Rhodesia Wikipedia

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Last updated: October 6, 2025

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First submitted	October 6, 2025
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Average score	33.3%
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Hint		Answer
1888	Cecil Rhodes obtained mining rights from Lobengula through what agreement?	Rudd Concession
1889	What charter gave Rhodes’s British South Africa Company control over present-day Zimbabwe?	Royal Charter
1890	What expedition founded the settlement that became Salisbury?	Pioneer Column
1893	What war saw Rhodes’s settlers defeat King Lobengula and the Ndebele kingdom?	First Matabele War
1896–1897	What Shona–Ndebele uprising against British rule is also known as the First Chimurenga?	Second Matabele War
1911	Both Northern and Southern Rhodesia were named in honor of which British imperialist?	Cecil Rhodes
1923	When company rule ended, what political status did Southern Rhodesia gain from Britain?	Self-Governing Colony
1953	What federation joined Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland?	Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
1964	Which nationalist group broke away from ZAPU that year?	ZANU

Hint		Answer
1964	Who led the new ZANU movement?	Robert Mugabe
1965	What unilateral act did Ian Smith declare to break from British authority?	Unilateral Declaration of Independence
1966	What conflict began between Rhodesia’s government and black nationalist guerrillas?	Rhodesian Bush War
1972	What attack marked the beginning of large-scale guerrilla war in Rhodesia?	Altena Farm Attack
1976	Under what name did ZANU and ZAPU unite for the war?	Patriotic Front
1978	What was the name of the short-lived biracial government created by the Internal Settlement?	Zimbabwe-Rhodesia
1979	What London conference led to the end of the war and new elections?	Lancaster House Conference
1980	What new country replaced Rhodesia after the above?	Zimbabwe
1980	Who became Prime Minister after independence elections in 1980?	Robert Mugabe