Smith was a decent man who fought for Britain in WW2 as a pilot (and suffered burns to his face). He was also a farmer and was more reasonable than many in his Rhodesian Front Party. But he (and his government) were overtaken by events which they really should have foreseen. Many white Rhodesians felt betrayed by Harold Wilson and the British Government because of the significant Rhodesian contribution to Britain during WW2 - and found it hard to accept the "Winds of Change" which Harold Macmillan had forecast.
Thank you Rob. A tragic consequence of the Smith regime's self belief in their cause was the almost inevitable eventual election of Mugabe rather than a more moderate African leader. Life in Zimbabwe is now much worse than ever. Hindsight is easy but there was just a chance of a peaceful transition to a multi-racial black majority government until the Rhodesian Front (led by Smith) governed what was Rhodesia and attitudes became polarised. It is very sad that so many people of all races in Zimbabwe were killed during the conflict. There has been an exodus of talent (both black and white) from the country since it ended. The Rhodesian Army was reckoned to be extraordinarily capable but its professionalism was not matched by the political leadership.
Smith was a decent man who fought for Britain in WW2 as a pilot (and suffered burns to his face). He was also a farmer and was more reasonable than many in his Rhodesian Front Party. But he (and his government) were overtaken by events which they really should have foreseen. Many white Rhodesians felt betrayed by Harold Wilson and the British Government because of the significant Rhodesian contribution to Britain during WW2 - and found it hard to accept the "Winds of Change" which Harold Macmillan had forecast.
Thank you Rob. A tragic consequence of the Smith regime's self belief in their cause was the almost inevitable eventual election of Mugabe rather than a more moderate African leader. Life in Zimbabwe is now much worse than ever. Hindsight is easy but there was just a chance of a peaceful transition to a multi-racial black majority government until the Rhodesian Front (led by Smith) governed what was Rhodesia and attitudes became polarised. It is very sad that so many people of all races in Zimbabwe were killed during the conflict. There has been an exodus of talent (both black and white) from the country since it ended. The Rhodesian Army was reckoned to be extraordinarily capable but its professionalism was not matched by the political leadership.
Super interesting! Mahalo nui from Hawaii! Really appreciate the reading list as well. Great work!