Rhodesian Bush War
The conflict pitted three forces against one another: the Rhodesian white minority-led government of Ian Smith (later the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian government of Bishop Abel Muzorewa); militant African guerrilla organisations such as the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), the military wing of Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU); and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army of Joshua Nkomo's Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU).
- location
- Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe)
- belligerents
- Rhodesian government, ZANLA/ZANU, ZIPRA/ZAPU
Lore & Background
The origin of the war can be traced to the conquest of the region by the British South Africa Company in the late 19th century and the dissent of native leaders who opposed foreign rule. UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's 'Wind of Change' speech revealed Britain's new policy to only permit independence under majority rule, but many white Rhodesians feared chaos like that in the former Belgian Congo. Although Rhodesia had private support from South Africa and Portugal, it never gained diplomatic recognition from any country.
Reader's Guide
The Rhodesian Bush War was a key conflict of the Cold War in Africa, with the Soviet Union supporting ZIPRA and China supporting ZANLA. The conflict was seen by nationalists and the UK government as a war of national and racial liberation, while the Rhodesian government saw it as a fight against externally financed black radicals and communists.
Did You Know?
- The Soviet Union supported ZIPRA and China supported ZANLA.
- South Africa clandestinely gave material and military support to the Rhodesian government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the main belligerents in the Rhodesian Bush War?
The Rhodesian government under Ian Smith, later the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian administration led by Bishop Abel Muzorewa, faced off against two major African guerrilla forces: ZANLA (the military wing of ZANU) and ZIPRA (the armed arm of ZAPU).
Why is the Rhodesian Bush War important in Cold War history?
It functioned as a proxy arena where Western and Soviet-aligned interests clashed over influence in southern Africa, and its resolution dismantled white minority rule and redrew the region's political map.
What other names is the Rhodesian Bush War known by?
Depending on the perspective of the parties involved, the conflict is also called the Rhodesian Civil War, the Second Chimurenga, or the Zimbabwe War of Independence.
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