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 Scramble for Africa and the establishment of British colonial rule in the region. He founded the De Beers diamond company and was a key figure in the expansion of British territory through colonization, advocating for British imperialism and the belief in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cecil Rhodes was born in 1853 in England and moved to South Africa in 1870 to work in the diamond industry, quickly gaining wealth and influence.
2. He served as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896, where he implemented policies that favored British expansion and settlement.
3. Rhodes was a strong proponent of 'Greater Britain,' advocating for British expansion throughout Africa and the unification of British territories.
4. His ambition led to conflicts with local populations and European powers, contributing to tensions that characterized the colonial era.
5. The legacy of Rhodes is controversial; he is celebrated for his contributions to economic development but criticized for his imperialistic attitudes and exploitation of African resources.

Review Questions

• How did Cecil Rhodes' actions contribute to the expansion of British imperialism in southern Africa?
  • Cecil Rhodes played a pivotal role in expanding British imperialism in southern Africa through his wealth gained from the diamond industry and his political influence as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. He actively promoted policies that favored British settlement and territorial acquisition, arguing for the superiority of British civilization. His establishment of companies like De Beers also facilitated economic control over resources, further entrenching British dominance in the region.
• Discuss the implications of Rhodes' vision for a 'Cape to Cairo Railway' on African political geography during the Scramble for Africa.
  • Rhodes' vision for a 'Cape to Cairo Railway' represented not just an ambitious infrastructure project but also a strategic plan to solidify British control over vast stretches of Africa. The railway would connect British territories and promote economic exploitation while reinforcing colonial boundaries. This concept exemplified the broader trend of imperialism during the Scramble for Africa, where European powers carved up territories without regard for indigenous populations or existing political structures.
• Evaluate how Cecil Rhodes' legacy impacts contemporary discussions on colonialism and its consequences in modern Africa.
  • Cecil Rhodes' legacy is a focal point in contemporary discussions about colonialism due to his significant role in shaping colonial policies that have lasting effects on modern African nations. His actions contributed to systemic inequalities and resource exploitation that continue to affect socio-economic conditions today. The debate surrounding monuments and memorials dedicated to figures like Rhodes reflects ongoing tensions about acknowledging historical injustices while navigating present-day identities, governance, and reparative justice in post-colonial contexts.

Related terms

Imperialism:

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

Cape to Cairo Railway: A proposed railway project intended to connect British territories from the southern tip of Africa to the northern part, promoting economic and political integration of British colonies.

Balkanization: The process of fragmentation or division of a region into smaller, often hostile units, which can be observed in the context of colonial Africa's partitioning by European powers.