Cecil Rhodes

Definition

Cecil Rhodes was a British imperialist and businessman, known for his role in the expansion of the British Empire into southern Africa during the late 19th century. His vision was to create a continuous belt of British territory from Cape Colony to Cairo, which became known as the 'Cape to Cairo' idea. Rhodes' actions not only contributed to the colonial domination of the region but also left a lasting impact on the socio-political landscape of southern Africa.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cecil Rhodes was born on July 5, 1853, in Bishop's Stortford, England, and moved to South Africa in 1870, where he made his fortune in diamond mining.
2. He founded the British South Africa Company in 1889, which played a significant role in the colonization and administration of territories in southern Africa, including Zimbabwe and Zambia.
3. Rhodes believed in 'Anglo-Saxon superiority' and promoted policies that justified colonialism and racial segregation, contributing to systemic inequalities that persisted long after his death.
4. His ambition led to conflicts with local African kingdoms, which often resulted in violent suppression of resistance against colonial rule.
5. Cecil Rhodes passed away on March 26, 1902, but his influence continues to shape discussions about colonialism and its legacy in southern Africa.

Review Questions

• How did Cecil Rhodes' vision for British expansion impact the political landscape of southern Africa?
  • Cecil Rhodes' vision for British expansion greatly altered the political landscape of southern Africa by promoting the annexation of territories and establishing colonial governance through the British South Africa Company. His idea of a 'Cape to Cairo' railway reflected his desire for continuous British control over the region. This ambition not only facilitated economic exploitation but also undermined local governance structures and fueled tensions between colonial powers and indigenous populations.
• Evaluate the legacy of Cecil Rhodes in relation to colonial policies and racial attitudes in southern Africa.
  • The legacy of Cecil Rhodes is closely tied to colonial policies that enforced racial segregation and exploitation in southern Africa. His belief in 'Anglo-Saxon superiority' justified oppressive practices against African communities, shaping systemic inequalities that emerged during his time and continued long after. While he contributed to infrastructure development through initiatives like the railway project, his actions also set a precedent for racial discrimination that would have lasting consequences on social relations and governance in the region.
• Analyze how Cecil Rhodes' establishment of the De Beers company influenced both the economy of southern Africa and the global diamond industry.
  • Cecil Rhodes' establishment of De Beers transformed both the economy of southern Africa and the global diamond industry by creating a monopoly on diamond production. This control over supply allowed De Beers to manipulate prices and establish diamonds as a symbol of wealth and status worldwide. The economic impact on southern Africa included significant profits for colonial interests while often leaving local populations impoverished. Moreover, Rhodes' practices laid groundwork for exploitative labor systems that would affect the diamond trade long into the future.

Related terms

British Imperialism: The policy and practice of extending British power and influence through colonization, military conquest, and economic dominance during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

De Beers: A company founded by Cecil Rhodes that became the largest diamond mining company in the world, playing a key role in the diamond trade and shaping the economy of southern Africa.

Rhodes Scholarship: An international postgraduate award for students to study at the University of Oxford, established in 1902 in honor of Cecil Rhodes, reflecting his legacy in education.