Southern Rhodesia

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Quick reference

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General issues: British colony 1925-1953, British colony, self government 1964

Country name on general issues: Southern Rhodesia

Currency: 1 Pound = 20 Shilling, 1 Shilling = 12 Pence 1925-1953 and 1964

Population: 930 000 in 1923, 4 350 000 in 1964

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Political history Southern Rhodesia

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Southern Rhodesia is located in eastern Africa. In the mid 19th century Mashonaland and Matabeleland are the two most important kingdoms in the future Southern Rhodesia. The British establish a presence, from 1889, through the British South Africa Company, a chartered company. The charter of the British South Africa Company encompasses a territory, that somewhat later, from 1895, will come to be called Rhodesia – a term that is used, at the time, in a geographical rather than a political sense: the territory of the British South Africa Company has yet to be colonized and political entities have yet to be formed. The British South Africa Company sets to work by signing treaties with the kings of Mashonaland and Matabeleland in 1890. Subsequently, these are proclaimed protectorates by the British government in 1891.

As the British South Africa Company gains control over more and more territory, the administrative divisions are frequently changed. Eventually, two protectorates are formed in 1911: Northern Rhodesia – the current Zambia – and Southern Rhodesia.

The charter of the British South Africa Company ends in 1924 and, just prior to that, the administration of Southern Rhodesia is transferred to the British government in 1923, Southern Rhodesia becoming a British colony. From 1953 until 1963, Southern Rhodesia is part of the federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland that also incorporates Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. When the federation is dissolved, Southern Rhodesia once again becomes a British colony, now with self government. Without the consent of the British, the name of the country is, upon this occasion, changed from Southern Rhodesia to Rhodesia.

Rhodesia will, in 1965, unilaterally proclaim independence within the British Commonwealth and, in 1970, as the republic of Rhodesia. In 1980, independence will be internationally recognized as the republic of Zimbabwe.

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Postal history Southern Rhodesia

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The first stamps used in Southern Rhodesia are, from 1890, the issues from the British South Africa Company. From 1925, stamps are issued in the name of Southern Rhodesia. Aside from designs common to the British colonies, several sets are issued with designs specific for Southern Rhodesia. From 1954, the issues of the federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland are used. Stamps will again be issued by Southern Rhodesia in 1964 – one set of definitives. The stamps of Southern Rhodesia are, from 1965, be superseded by those of Rhodesia and, from 1980, by those of Zimbabwe.

 

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