Timeline of Zimbabwe History

Katie Hanrahan

*Indicates recently added information

400 AD
Shona-speaking peoples migrated into
Zimbabwe
This signaled the earliest settlement of
Zimbabwe
Agriculture and farming allowed them to
remain in one place

Great Zimbabwe. (2014). Retrieved

September 11, 2015, from
http://www.ushistory.org/civ/7d.asp

1200-1400 AD
Great Zimbabwe became the trading hub of
Africa
People came from across the continent to trade
goods
Minimization of agriculture in Zimbabwe led to
downfall of countrys trade power

Great Zimbabwe. (2014). Retrieved

September 11, 2015, from
http://www.ushistory.org/civ/7d.asp

1800s
Cecil Rhodes travelled to Zimbabwe in
hopes of making it part of the British
Empire
Harare was a British Protectorate
Renamed part of Zimbabwe Rhodesia
Hundreds of thousands of Europeans migrated
to Zimbabwe
Gascoigne, B. (2001). HISTORY OF
ZIMBABWE.
Retrieved September 11, 2015, from
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/

1889-1893*
Cecil Rhodes established the British South
African Company (BSA) and colonized the
area
They take control of the country upon
colonization
One of the tribes rebels against BSA, but was
unsuccessful
Zimbabwe profile - Timeline - BBC
News. (2015, June 12). Retrieved
November 24, 2015,
from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1922*
The British South African Company falls
out of power, leaving the white colonists in
charge
They choose to be self-governed
Leaves majority black population stuck under
their rule
Zimbabwe profile - Timeline - BBC
News. (2015, June 12). Retrieved
November 24, 2015,
from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1930-1960
Land Apportionment Act black population
resorts to wage labor because they cannot
have land
Begin to rebel
Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) &
Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU)
emerge to fight back against white population
Zimbabwe profile - Timeline - BBC
News. (2015, June 12).
Retrieved September 20, 2015, from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1953*
The Central African Federation was
developed by the British
Included what we know as Zimbabwe, Zambia,
and Malawi
Keeps these countries under British control

Zimbabwe profile - Timeline - BBC

News. (2015, June 12). Retrieved
November 24, 2015,
from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1963
Zimbabwe gained independence from the
Central African Federation
This gave Zimbabwe its name
Settlers were free to name it how they wished

Black population still did not have voice heard

White population led government

Zimbabwe profile - Timeline - BBC

News. (2015, June 12).
Retrieved September 20, 2015, from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1964-1965*
A white man, Ian Smith, became the prime
minister and fought for independence fro
Britain, but sought white control of the
country
Caused distress internationally
Britain angry
Black Zimbabweans angry
Zimbabwe profile - Timeline - BBC
News. (2015, June 12). Retrieved
November 24, 2015,
from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1965-1980*
Civil war between black natives and white
authority is intense and Smith feels the pressure of
coming to an agreement
New leadership, Abel Muzorewa, comes with the
election, but is not internationally recognized
Civil war rages on as a result

Britain brings both sides together to create peace

and a new constitution
profile - Timeline
BBC granted rights
Majorities andZimbabwe
minorities
alike -are
News. (2015, June 12). Retrieved
November 24, 2015,
from
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-

1980s*
Robert Mugabe gains power in the post-war
election, made prime minister
April 18 independence of Zimbabwe internationally
recognized

A paranoid Mugabe fires cabinet member for

trying to overthrow the government
Deploys military to overthrow rebels
Kills thousands

Mugabe changes the constitution

profile - Timeline - BBC
He is now theZimbabwe
president
News. (2015, June 12). Retrieved
November 24, 2015,
from