Cecil Rhodes

Definition

Cecil Rhodes was a British imperialist, businessman, and politician in Southern Africa during the late 19th century, known for his role in the expansion of the British Empire in the region. He is most famously associated with the establishment of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia) and for founding the De Beers diamond company, which monopolized diamond mining in South Africa. His vision of creating a 'Cape to Cairo' railway linked British territories across Africa significantly impacted colonial expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cecil Rhodes was born on July 5, 1853, in England and moved to South Africa in search of fortune during the diamond rush.
2. He served as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896 and was a controversial figure due to his imperialist policies and attitudes toward indigenous peoples.
3. Rhodes established the Rhodes Scholarship in 1902, aiming to promote international understanding and peace through education.
4. His actions contributed to tensions and conflicts with local African populations, leading to dispossession and displacement.
5. Rhodes's legacy is mixed; he is viewed by some as a visionary who promoted development while others criticize him for his racism and exploitation.

Review Questions

• How did Cecil Rhodes influence the course of British imperialism in Southern Africa?
  • Cecil Rhodes significantly influenced British imperialism through his aggressive expansion policies and business ventures. His establishment of Rhodesia and control over diamond mining with De Beers allowed Britain to solidify its economic power in Southern Africa. Furthermore, his vision for a 'Cape to Cairo' railway represented a strategic effort to connect British territories, promoting further colonization and solidifying imperial interests in the region.
• Evaluate the impact of Cecil Rhodes's legacy on contemporary views of colonialism and imperialism.
  • Cecil Rhodes's legacy is deeply contentious when evaluating colonialism and imperialism today. On one hand, he is remembered for contributions like the Rhodes Scholarship that promote education; on the other hand, his actions reflect exploitative practices that led to suffering among indigenous populations. This duality prompts ongoing debates about how historical figures are commemorated, as many advocate for a critical reassessment of their impacts, particularly concerning issues of race and colonial exploitation.
• Analyze the relationship between Cecil Rhodes's business endeavors and his political ambitions within the context of European colonial expansion.
  • Cecil Rhodes's business ventures were intrinsically tied to his political ambitions, showcasing how economic interests fueled European colonial expansion. By founding De Beers and capitalizing on diamond mining, he amassed significant wealth that he used to influence politics in Southern Africa. His vision for expanding British control through infrastructure projects like the Cape to Cairo Railway exemplified how business strategies could serve imperial goals, ultimately illustrating a model where commerce and governance were closely intertwined in advancing colonial aspirations.

Related terms

Imperialism: A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

De Beers: A diamond company founded by Cecil Rhodes that became a dominant force in the diamond industry and played a key role in establishing diamond market control.

Cape to Cairo Railway: A proposed railway project envisioned by Cecil Rhodes to connect British colonies from Cape Colony in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt, symbolizing British imperial ambitions.