Member-only story

Cecil Rhodes: The Man Behind the Statues

Allan James

·16k Followers· Follow

Published in Kevin Shillington

5 min read · 1 month before

464 View Claps

90 Respond

Save

Listen

Cecil Rhodes was a British imperialist and businessman. He was the founder of the British South Africa Company and the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. Rhodes's legacy is controversial, as he has been accused of racism and colonialism. However, he is also credited with helping to develop Southern Africa and for his role in the founding of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Cecil Rhodes: The Man Behind the Statues

by Kevin Shillington

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6613 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	92 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Early Life and Career

Cecil John Rhodes was born in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England, on July 5, 1853. He was the son of the Reverend Francis William Rhodes, a clergyman, and Louisa Peacock Rhodes. Rhodes was educated at Bishop's Stortford College and Oriel College, Oxford. He studied law, but did not complete his degree.

In 1870, Rhodes traveled to South Africa for health reasons. He worked as a diamond miner and a farmer. In 1880, he founded the De Beers Mining Company, which became one of the largest diamond mining companies in the world.

Political Career

In 1881, Rhodes was elected to the Cape Colony Parliament. He served as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. During his time as Prime Minister, Rhodes pursued a policy of expansionism. He annexed Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and Matabeleland (now Zimbabwe) to the Cape Colony.

Rhodes was a strong supporter of British imperialism. He believed that the British Empire was a force for good in the world. He also believed that the British had a duty to civilize the "savage" peoples of Africa.

Rhodes's policies were controversial. He was accused of racism and colonialism. However, he was also a popular figure among many white South Africans. He was seen as a visionary leader who was helping to build a prosperous and powerful South Africa.

The Jameson Raid

In 1895, Rhodes was involved in the Jameson Raid. This was an attempt by a group of British mercenaries to overthrow the government of the Transvaal Republic (now South Africa). The raid was a failure, and Rhodes was forced to resign as Prime Minister of the Cape Colony.

The Jameson Raid damaged Rhodes's reputation. He was seen as a reckless and irresponsible adventurer. However, he continued to be a powerful figure in South African politics.

Later Life and Legacy

Rhodes died in Cape Town, South Africa, on March 26, 1902. He was 48 years old. He left behind a legacy of controversy and achievement. He was a racist and a colonialist, but he was also a visionary leader who helped to shape the history of Southern Africa.

Rhodes's legacy is still debated today. Some people view him as a hero, while others view him as a villain. However, there is no doubt that he was a complex and fascinating figure who played a major role in the history of Southern Africa.

Cecil Rhodes was a complex and controversial figure. He was a racist and a colonialist, but he was also a visionary leader who helped to shape the history of Southern Africa. His legacy is still debated today, but there is no doubt that he was a major figure in the history of the region.

**Alt attributes for images:**

* Cecil Rhodes statue in Cape Town, South Africa: Cecil Rhodes, the man behind the statues * Rhodes as a young man: Cecil Rhodes, the early years * Rhodes in his later years: Cecil Rhodes, the later years * Rhodes's grave in Cape Town, South Africa: Cecil Rhodes, the man behind the statues

Cecil Rhodes: The Man Behind the Statues

by Kevin Shillington

4.4 out of 5