Rhodesia, officially known as the Republic of Rhodesia, was an unrecognized state that existed from 1965 to 1979 in southern Africa. The country emerged in the context of the decolonization of Africa and the struggle for majority rule in former British colonies. Here are key points about Rhodesia:

1. Colonial Background: The area that became Rhodesia was originally settled by various indigenous groups. In the late 19th century, European powers, particularly the British South Africa Company (BSAC) under the leadership of Cecil Rhodes, played a role in the colonization of the region.
2. Northern Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia: The region was initially administered by the BSAC, with Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia) and Southern Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe) being two separate entities. Southern Rhodesia was a self-governing British colony.
3. Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI): In 1965, the white-minority government of Southern Rhodesia, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence from British rule. This move was a response to the British government’s insistence on a timetable for majority rule.
4. Minority Rule: The UDI led to a situation where a white-minority government, representing about 5% of the population, sought to maintain control over the country, excluding the black majority from political power.
5. International Isolation: The UDI was widely condemned internationally, and the United Nations imposed sanctions on Rhodesia. The country faced economic difficulties and diplomatic isolation as a result.
6. Bush War: The struggle for majority rule intensified, leading to a protracted conflict known as the Rhodesian Bush War (1964–1979). Various black nationalist groups, such as the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), fought against the Rhodesian government.
7. Internal Settlement: In the late 1970s, negotiations involving moderate black leaders and representatives of the white-minority government led to the Internal Settlement of 1978. The agreement paved the way for the establishment of majority rule and the end of UDI.
8. Independence as Zimbabwe: Rhodesia officially became the independent nation of Zimbabwe on April 18, 1980. The country adopted a new flag, a new national anthem, and a new political system with Robert Mugabe as its first prime minister.
9. Legacy: The period of Rhodesia is remembered for the controversial UDI, the struggle for majority rule, and the Bush War. The country’s history is complex, marked by racial tensions, conflict, and efforts to move towards a more inclusive political system.
10. Post-Independence Challenges: After gaining independence, Zimbabwe faced various challenges, including economic difficulties, land reform policies, and political controversies. The country’s political and economic trajectory in the post-independence period has been a subject of international attention and debate.

The history of Rhodesia reflects the broader issues of decolonization, racial conflict, and the challenges of nation-building in post-colonial Africa. The transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe marked a significant chapter in the continent’s history.