The Story of Rhodesia
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- Опубликовано: 12 янв 2022
- this was a project for my AP Human Geography class
i own none of the pictures, videos or music used in this video
0:00 Prologue
1:14 Introduction
2:35 Context
4:13 Cold War Interference
5:36 An Analysis of The Belligerents
8:36 Tensions Rise
10:46 The War
13:08 The Downfall
17:16 The End
19:08 Multiple Choice Question
19:18 Free Response Question
19:30 Credits
![TRASH or PASS! Eminem ( Houdini ) [REACTION!!!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cB1WrZcMwMc/mqdefault.jpg)
Hello everyone, I’m the creator of this video and I have a little message.
I’ll try to keep it brief. I was 14 at the time of making this video, but I did mention in some comments I was 15 only so I wouldn’t get made fun of or for someone to discredit me for my young age.
Additionally, this was my first full scale video I’ve ever made and looking back on it now, it was edited really terribly and the audio is really unbalanced and makes for a really uncomfortable viewing experience, sorry about that. But, to defend myself I made this whole video the day before it was due so I didn’t really care much about the technical stuff I just focused on turning it in.
Finally, I’ve gotten a lot of… comments… on the historical accuracy of this video. I didn’t really intend for it to be an educational video for the public, rather, it’s intended use was for my AP Human Geography class, (not exactly scholars or former Rhodesian citizens), so I’m sorry and I admit that there may be a lot of inaccuracies so please don’t use this as a primary source for research. To get a bit of the story in a nutshell? Sure. But please, if you’re genuinely researching this topic, it’s extremely complex, so I suggest taking your research to more trusted platforms.
Thanks for making this video blow up! Really wasn’t expecting it and thanks for the supportive… (and not so supportive) comments. I sort of just made this for fun because I really enjoy history so don’t critique my music choice because I thought it was fun :)
P.S. I am so, so, so, so sorry about the constant mispronunciations in this video. If it makes you feel better, I say Rhodesia correctly now :)
I would never had guessed that you were only 14. U have produced a great video. apart from the audio and some cut issues it was really entertaining for the whole duration. I could never have produced something like this when I was 14, so you should be proud of yourself. As for the inaccuracies. Just keep working on it. I cant imagine how hard it is to get everything right.
@@emqufortytwo I absolutely agree with the person above me. This is good. As someone who's interested in Rhodesia, this was well-made and most certainly interesting.
I am astonished at the quality of the work that you have done at 14.
Not being Rhodesian I will make no comments on historical accuracy.
What I will say is that over the years I have had the opportunity to know fairly well several people from Rhodesia, all whites.
I have also had the opportunity to know several South Africans as well.
The Rhodesians that I know are all products of the bush war.
I have NEVER, NOT ONCE, heard a racist statement from one of these people.
They are amazing people, especially considering what many of them went through.
still a good watch
Better than any report I ever did in high school
What did Zimbabweans use as a light source before candles? Electricity. :)
That’s a good one
Torches
🤣😂😅ZIMBONGO the joke country.
That's fucked up lol funny but still fucked up. The good jokes always are....
Oh Rhodesia, I really LOVE YOU. Your the heartland of AFRICA to me.
"the war was about 2 losing sides"
there's something poetic about that line.
"The winners lost and the losers won..." - John Edmond "Agisymban Trilogy"
This quote is in reference to how Rhodesia won nearly every military conflict but yet still lost the war.
Nah its about N's being N's and destroying their own country..
@@bluechains3452 In reality, Rhodesia never came close to winning the Bush War:
- As the years went on, the number of ZANLA/ZIPRA guerrillas both inside and outside the countryside grew exponentially
- White-owned farms were constantly getting attacked, travel was only possible in armed convoys on heavily mined roads, civilian aircraft were getting shot down, black civilians were forced into "protected villages" that the Guard Force could not adequately defend, security could only be established in urban areas, and even cities were getting raided (i.e., the ZANLA raid on Salisbury that destroyed much of the country's petroleum reserves)
- The white population was shrinking; their comfortable pre-war way of life was gone, resorts and country clubs were mostly shuttered, and the adult white population was on perpetual "2 weeks on, 6 weeks off" call-ups with the reserve forces
- The kill ratio (around 9-1 by the end of the war) actually ended up favouring the guerrillas far more. Furthermore, glamorous external operations that looked successful on paper often resulted in unacceptable losses (OP Uric is a classic example; the loss of aircraft and that number of trained commandos and aircrew was unacceptably high). Aircraft and aviation parts were almost irreplaceable due to sanctions, the number of whites available for military service dwindled (particularly as the population shrank), etc. This was at a time when the SADF was finding itself outgunned by technologically superior Soviet-origin aircraft and armour in the Border War; the Cubans even offered MiGs (more than a match for the RhAF's ancient Vampires), but by that point Mugabe knew he was going to win and declined
Rather, ZANU and ZAPU won all their metrics, and Rhodesia's (kill ratios and external raids) simply did not matter.
@@rethguals reread my comment. I never said Rhodesia came close to winning the bush war.
@@bluechains3452
That’s something people don’t realize. At the end of the day anything in between the start and the end of the war is largely irrelevant. One side could lose every battle, but still continue to offer resistance long enough to exhaust their enemy and forcing a withdrawal through fatigue thereby effectively winning the war overall. Ultimately once war begins, victory is all that matters. What happens in between only matters if it hinders potential victory for one side or another.
You don’t win a war by destroying the enemy, you win a war by destroying his will to fight.
My uncle was a heli pilot vet in Rhodesia and after the war he moved first to Australia then later to Brasil deep country side where he owned a plane and make a ton of money from the middle 80's to late 90's. He was a very sucessful "farmer".
Hi there, is your uncle still around ?
If he was a farmer for what I’m thinking, that would make a great movie
@@arronjames9011nice try fed boy
@@jameshill8493 Hi James , ruclips.net/video/D7-sT0q720Y/видео.html&feature=share
ruclips.net/video/D7-sT0q720Y/видео.html&feature=share
When I was in the Canadian Army in the 70s, we had a guy in my Section who was ex RLI. Damn good soldier. He was telling us then that it was only a matter of time before the place would devolve into a Stone Age shithole which is why he emigrated to Canada. I don’t know where he is today, but he’s probably a lot better off now. Looks like he was right.
Quality of life has remained the same for the most part.
Rhodesia was once the jewel of Africa, now Zimbabwe is a craphole...Robert Mugabe was a brutal blood thirsty maniac...
@@anthonyluisi7096 Rhodesia was mostly poor. Where do you people get this information from?
Except Canada is also devolving into a communist shithole…
@@ayodejiolowokere1076 Rhodesia may have previously been _mostly_ poor, sure. However, modern Zimbabwe is _completely_ poor. The difference is, when there is _some_ wealth and prosperity, eventually it will spread and the number of people living in abject poverty will go down and down and down. However, when there is no wealth and functional modern economy (like modern Zimbabwe), it is VERY difficult to change the living circumstances for anyone. Truly, Rhodesia was a much wealthier nation with a lot of economic opportunity built off of the thriving agricultural society that was growing. Unfortunately, once the black nationalists took over, all of the farms fell into disrepair and the nation started moving backwards towards the way it looked during the Stone Age. Sad but true
Rhodesia's biggest export at the end of the war were tough, battle hardened brutal fighters who made their way into special forces and mercenary armies in almost every country in the world.
Very true !
Nonsense. Most ouens just went back to civvy street. It was rarely the Rhodies who went on to other peoples' armed forces, except in the Republic of Downsouth and South West.
Some found work at executive action.
@@TRAZ4004 Some also joined the Ancient Order of Frothblowers in the Seychelles, but that doesn't alter my underlying point. In 1978 or '79 my German sergeant and I were discussing whether Rhodesia should extend the war in Moczambique. A Rhodie on call-up was listening as we rhetorically laid waste to southern Africa and commented "It's alright for you ouens, but some of us want to live here when this is all over". There were few enough Rhodies in the first place and even fewer went on to other people's armed forces outside SA and SWA. you are right that some later ended up in Britush security companies like Executive Outcomes. I worked with a couple for another company in 1990-1991 in London, but both had been British originally.
@@TRAZ4004
executive outcomes
I had a Section Sgt in the 80’s who was a Vietnamese Nam vet. I asked him once where he got scars ALL over his body. He told me somberly he was hit by grenade shrapnel while “vacationing in Rhodesia”. We never spoke about his scars again.
This video was well put together, informative and the music I’m brings back memories of those who survived the conflict.
I've never seen anything about Vietnamese mercenaries in Africa. Do you mean an American or ANZAC who fought in Vietnam and then Rhodesia, or do you mean an ARVN veteran that somehow ended up there?
@@kevinduong337 I'm sure there must have been a handful of former ARVN who left and fought elsewhere.
A lot of Soldier of Fortune reading American dipshits snuck off to fight for the glorious Rhodesian cause, probably something like that.
@@kevinduong337I think he’s talking about American volunteers and mercenary’s who fought in the Vietnam war and were vets who went over to fight for the Rhodesian army in the 1970s
@@Fallout_Junkie69I think he might be talking about an ex Arvn as he says they’re a Vietnamese veteran
My grandparents were famers during this entire period with three kids, the stories they lived through are mind blowing. Very sad ending for Zimbabwe
It's hard for us to imagine living at that place and time. No real "front lines".
Sad for who?
@@RStevenPage Do you not know your history ? This video is very one sided claiming democratic freedom for black Zimbabweans however it lacks a lot of truth like the fact that more than 20,000 Ndebeles were killed during the genocide perpetrated by members of the military’s Fifth Brigade pre 1982, which was a group of North Korean-trained Zimbabwean soldiers who carried out the ethnic massacres, targeting the Ndebele people in the southwest of the country killing more than 20,000 ethnic Ndebele civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands. Thousands more were detained, tortured, or raped. The atrocities, known as “Gukurahundi,” Ill put it simply for you since your brain only works in basic colors - Black on Black genocide orchestra and funded by communist Asia and Russia. So like I said Very sad ending for Zimbabwe as African political history repeats itself once again.
@@RStevenPage Everyone
@@RStevenPage All the people who were killed, all the white farmers killed and displaced and all the remaining people who now experience famine after famine because they got rid of the people who knew how to farm
My uncle was Rhodesian selous scouts (special forces). He was a legend among the ex Rhodesian military community. Was a awesome guy and my favourite uncle✊🏻
Pamwe Chete ✊🏻
@@MrAM4D3U5 Pamwe Chete🔥🔥
What was his name?.
Those guys were something else! I had a very good friend who was ex RLI whos passed sadly , he shared some great stories around the camp fire about 20 yrs ago .
@@thelonerizla1 Incredible bunch of guys most definitely a different breed✊🏻
Wait you’re only 15? This amount of research, editing and storytelling is impressive. Keep it up!
Wait fr? If that's the case, whoever this is is going places
Mad props
When your 15 you don't understand how the world really works and you are susceptible to what the State teachers tells you. Someday you'll understand the true reality.
I wish I was able to do a project like this when I was in school. I had fun putting in a lot of effort in my projects in social studies classes but I never had the chance to go on a deep dive like this.
Pretty dicey material for such a young age as well... SA is headed this way! I had family there... forgotten lots but I think Garfield was actually alright and history will judge him better than did his peers!
One correction I would point out is that although Rhodesia declared independence in 1965, it was not declared a republic until 1970. Rhodesia wished to remain a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizebeth II as head of state and hopefully a member of the commonwealth. However, after 5 years of unrecognised status Ian smith declared a republic to properly sever all symbolic ties with Britain.
ah, thanks for the correction
True, good points.
Yup and Britain hated that
Lot African countries remained part common wealth, why did he declare republic?
@@mikefitzpatrick43will britian wanted subject countries they didn't bring white settlers for them to declare independence they needed them in those conolies to remain loyal to the crown not to act like America
Point of correction, The Rhodesian bush war did not start in 1966 at the so called Sinoia Battle where all the 7 Zanla soldiers are said to have been killed in that battle but the war started in September 1964 where the first shots were fired at Zidube ranch near Maphisa by a group led by Moffart Hadebe then the real battle of the war where over a 100 soldiers were involved started in 1966 at Wankie where Chris Hani was the Chief of staff & John Dube JD alias Charles Sotsha Ngwenya from Zimnyama in Plumtree was the Commander!
Met a Rhodie vet in Florida who was stuck in US because Covid restrictions at the time. I showed him my friends rhodie camo FAL and he gave me a Zimbabwe button pin. Great chap I hope he’s doing okay
Thats rad
A Rhodie Camo Fal are cool beyond words. There's a lot more to them than just a paint job. Carrying handle cut off, lightening holes cut in the mag well, and serial numbers ground off and new ones electro-penciled on. Ian at Forgotten Weapons has a vid on a real one. Fakes abound...
Yawn...I knew opening the comments it would be filled by Americans overusing rhodie rhodie and more rhodies. 😂 sad!
@@TENMEN. Actually, I'm Brasilian... You're ignorant, ignorant, and more ignorant. Go back to fudgepacking your dog. 😂
@@Jreb1865i thought holes were to cut off identification stuff
Excellent video,was going through the comments and found out that it was made by a 15 year old instead of documentry crew,was genuinely suprised how well made it is. You have a natural talent towards film/documentry making, and i will be waiting for future videos of yours. All the best.
thank you!! :)) this really means a lot, i will probably make more in the future
@@vortexhomy please so make more videos.
Idiotic reply. Vomit.
@@vortexhomyhe isnt 15 this video maker is from rhodesia he is at least 28
@@vortexhomy You are already well ahead of the RUclips journalist pack. You have a future. Don’t stop. P.S. Love the subject.
Definitely the best short video/documentary on RUclips regarding the history of Rhodesia!
I’d love to see more like this from you! Amazing talent and it’s very well put together! Props to you man!
I have an old friend that, as a young man fought in this war as part of the Rhodesian army. He looks back on this time as the best years of his life. He says he was more afraid of the African wildlife than the rebels.
Zimbabwe... Another African success. What nobody outside Africa understand, is that for "freedom leaders" is never about the "freedom" of their people, its about enriching them selfs. Mugabe was one of the richest people in the world in one of the poorest countries today. "just get rid of the whites and all will be fine"
South Africa is the next African "success " story....
Alas, you are right. South Africa is circling the drain. The sad part is that the indigenous people are, yet again, the worst affected.
Fvcking Nonsense. Zimbabwe was punished by the West for taking land from European colonists and returning it to the natives.
Until then, Zimbabwe was successful.
Until Venezuela became an ally of Russia and thereby became a risk to Western nations, (i.e. Russian proxy {alas Ukraine}, destabilised oil prices) it was a succesful country. Venezuela, Cuba are predominantly White nations.
There goes away your White is superior argument.
South Africa is very much a thriving country under Black rule despite the mind-gymnastics of the White minority long groomed in European Exeptionalism.
@@ohlangeni Everyone,the West included sanctioned Rhodesia into the ground,yet they acording to you sanctioned Mugabe because he fought against the government that they themselves sanctioned? Not because he was a tyrant?
Yeah sure the only guy to give land back to the indeginous natives was the bad guy because he is indeginous himself. Whilst team euthanasia wannabe America part 2 where angels sent from heaven. Shut up you tw* t.
@@user-td6dr5wd8w I wonder why?! Britian would sanction a all white nation. Care to explain.
My uncle fought in this war, only finally leaving the country behind for good in 2006. Like most veterans, his only comment on it was “I survived” By all accounts, it was absolutely brutal.
My grandfather slotted floppies too. Him and 3 other blokes defended an airfield from 32 terrs. Rekt them. He was in the ‘Rhodesian Dad’s Army’
@@ScottTheBot07 What happened to the Rhodesians? Are they still living in Rhodesia?
@@julianpetkov8320 Rhodesia don't exist anymore. It's Zimbabwe now. It's been that way since 1981.
@@julianpetkov8320 They still exist, I mean it's usually referred to somebody that was born and raised under the Era of Rhodesia prior to Zimbabwe's existence, I've seen a couple people still referring themselves as Rhodesian especially veterans that served in the Security Forces in the Bush War.
Rhodesians exist they are just referred as Zimbabweans now, lol.
@@NewHollowEarth I'm European. Africa is like another planet to me. I only learned about Rhodesia a year ago or so. Very strange story.
This is well put together, with authentic and well thought out visuals and music. I enjoyed that.
Absolutely beautiful video, I find this topic incredibly interesting and I’m glad somebody could cover it with such simplicity yet quality.
War cost 20 000 lives but when it ended it cost more lives. Mugabe alone kill 20 000 in genocide after he took over. WHo know how many died from hungry once Mugabe took the farms.
FACT
Mugabe mugabe 🤣🤣 he beat that ass and y’all butt hurt 😞
All the same, to hell with Rhodesia.
Mugabe mass murdered over 40,000 actually... ~30,000 Rhodesian Blacks and about 10,000 Rhodesian Whites. Mugabe was funded by the 👃.
This is incredible for a school project...definitely look into making history/documentary style videos if you haven't already! Great job!
Excellently crafted mini-documentary. I liked how you included some questions at the end.
This is probably the best documentary I’ve ever watched, from the info to the OUTSTANDING music choice 10/10
You know you're omitting alot of information and being disingenuous when you say the Rhodesians were "losing'. They never lost a single battle and were doing good on the military front. They only lost politically to international and diplomatic pressure.
Losing in war and losing in politics are two entirely different things, and the Rhodesians never lost in war.
the us lost in nam. they never lost a battle
That is completely false. Simple numbers game had Rhodesia on a losing track from the beginning, regardless of the skirmishes that were won, and we just didn't know it.
Only the blind or rhondesian romantic would say otherwise now.
We were fighting a very unsophisticated rag tag bunch for most of the time, insurgents with low levels of training and communication capacity.
When we started bumping into a well armed and drilled ZIPRA and ZANLA had fully infiltrated from the East the game was over.
There were and are some die hard racists who refused to appreciate that negotiating earlier would have put a moderate, controlled transition in place instead of the chaos.that ended with Mugagbe in charge.
Just look at the size of the army through the war... it was tiny and the total combat workload was carried by a few thousand troops.
They lost several battles, they increasingly could not secure the country side.
When you're fighting a guerrilla force with a conventional army, you're losing just by engaging them. If you kill them, you're seen as an oppressor. If they kill you, you're seen as incompetent. Their soldiers cost less than yours, their equipment is either donated or captured, and the whole time you fight, you're losing public sympathy. Every fighter you kill is replaced by two more, and only increases the rage against you. They can use tactics you can't, and they can hide among the civilians like smoke. The true defeat was in not bowing to the inevitable and embracing the postcolonial society much earlier, without wasting lives and money. Zimbabwe would be a better place. A pity South Africa didn't learn from this.
Strategic defeat but a tactical victory.
6:15
The top rifle is a german-made G3 rifle, very similar to the FAL. It illustrates your point that the Rhodesian armed forces used many types of weapons.
Bang-on job with this project. I've never been clear about the history of Rhodesia, so I've learned a lot. I'm impressed that you did this for a high school class.
You nailed it, night and day between fal and g3 kinda like the difference between the AK and the galil
Not at all similar. Totally different mechanisms. Only thing in common is the ammo. 7.62x51
@@ldtexas1648 You're right that they use different mechanisms to cycle the action. I think of them as similar because they are both proper battle rifles developed in the cold war.
When I was working in Rhodesia in 1977-78, there were enough G3s around that most of the British South Africa Police (ostensibly a police force, but with branches that were paramilitary or fully militarized--usually about 60% African blacks and commanded by black or white officers) were armed with them, whereas the FN-FAL was carried by the Rhodesian Light Infantry. I don't know where the G3s came from, but some of the FALs were made in South Africa (or were imported to SA and maybe given Rhodesian markings). I was never certain where the Rhodesian marked FALs came from, but the government claimed they were made in Rhodesia. I never saw a well developed firearms manufacturing facility in Rhodesia, hence my doubt about where those "Rhodesian" marked FALs came from. Rhodesia was under sanctions imposed by most of the Western countries, so weapons origin was nearly always clouded in mystery.
I used the FAL on offensive foot patrols, but when I defended ranches, several of us used captured SKS with thousands of rounds of captured ammo. The reason I had the SKS close at hand during the ranch work was the amount of 7.62x39mm ammo available--we sometimes had to scrounge for 7.62x51mm NATO ammo, which meant if we were attacked in our ranch outposts, we'd have to go through a lot of ammo to defend ourselves, and would likely run out if using the FALs. I also carried and used the Rhodesian Rhino shotgun, a direct copy of the High Standard Model 10 bull pup shotgun, the American 180 (not the AR-180, but the fast shooting .22LR caliber submachine gun with a 177 round pan magazine), as well as the FALs. I field tested a silenced M-14 which I determined to be too long and unwieldy in the bush, a number of Soviet era weapons, and even a Browning Auto-5 shotgun with a long barrel. That latter one was in the hands of a former SAS type working in ranch security, who also went out with tracking teams when they cut spoor on terrs and chased them down. He liked it because it was light and, after a long chase, he didn't have to be very precise during the heavy breathing by both sides while trying to shoot at the end of such a run. I admired the weapon, but stuck with my FAL.
There were a number of oddball weapons, as you can see, and we often either chose whatever we preferred when choices were available, or took what was in the location we were sent to. I took the Rhino and American 180 weapons on a couple of ambush patrols, then switched to the FALs as a more reliable weapon with more powerful hitting power and with more range and accuracy. The Selous Scouts usually used AK variants, but only because they were generally working undercover, dressed and looking like insurgents.
If they had a choice (as my group did), most went with the FN-FALs, though a lot liked the G3s, too. The MAG-58 FN machine gun was the weapon of choice for most of the military forces, though a number began carrying the highly effective, lightweight 7.62x39mm RPD machine guns, sometimes with shortened barrels. It was well liked because it was light and because it came with a 100 round drum magazine. The MAG 58 showed how America was so far behind the times in its weapons development/issuance. The MAG 58 proved its worth all over Africa, starting with its production in 1958, and was widely adopted by NATO and around 80 countries, yet it took until 1991 for the US military to finally dump the less effective M-60 for it, naming it the M240 machine gun. The excellent FN-FAL, MAG 58, and Mg-42 all suffered from the NIH (Not Invented Here) syndrome common throughout US military weapons history.
@@damoclessword4629 Damocles, I learned a lot about arms in the Rhodesian civil war from your comment. I'm impressed by the way you guys improvised using the SKS because of 7.62x39 ammunition availability. Also impressed that you took the 180 out in combat! I don't think of .22 as being worth much, but I've never been in combat and don't know what the scenarios demand.
If you would like, I encourage you to record your stories and upload them to your youtube page. I thank you for taking the time to share your real historical experience by commenting, and I've subscribed to your channel in the off chance that you immortalize your stories!
Well done! Great music selection and pretty good editing overall
Also a nice bit of education about the turbulent history of this place.
One hell of a video, love your work!
Rhodesia, may she be worthy of the name. May she serve as a warning to America and Europe.
Australia and new Zealand too
Sit Nominae Digna
Ding dong the witch is dead!
@@thomasreaves588 Rhodesia was good country
@@fionasmith6868 Rhodesia was never a real country. Due to its backwards and racist principles it never achieved international recognition. Rhodesia was an attempt at a nationhood that failed for obvious reasons.
I don’t claim to have studied this in any way, shape or form but,
It does remind me of the age old saying,
“Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.”
Exactly, I like that
So true. Mugabe and co wanted to rule so desperately (for personal greed) and without bothering to learn or take the time to see what is involved in running a country successfully. Instead they successfully ran a country into the ground. So sad.
@@jimmycricket5366 Zimbabweans and Rhodesians deserved better than the shitshow of mugabe government.
I think it's right that white minority rule was overturned, but a better handled transition of power could have left the civilian population with far better infrastructure
@@jimmycricket5366 When you don't know something, its always good to keep your mouth shut
@@wearelegion5533 I totally agree with you on that principle. Alas, I have no idea why you are directly it at me. Zimbabwe has been an OPEN AIR DISPLAY of the evidence of misrule for the last twenty-five years. We hope it will improve.
Fantastic video mate, really did a great job on this
I remember taking APHG. One of the best teachers I've ever had and one of the most formative classes I've ever had.
Spectacular presentation. Better than a lot of professional work on the subject.
Hope you snagged that 5, and I hope you find the inspiration to stick with this, as you clearly have some talent and skill.
Worked with several men who were from Rhodesia and had served in the R.L.I.
Those guys were incredible and worked my ass into the ground. Good bunch of men I still call friends.
I worked with a bush war veteran. We went shooting and he couldn't hit shit. We paid out his lack of accuracy and his response was "paint it black and make it run". Chilling.
i dont think that's a good thing to admit dogggg
@@ithinkurf which is why even with Mugabe, Zimbabwe is better off without them.
@@ithinkurf Yeah...it was probably for the best Rhodesia faded.
So you’re an apartheid colonizer racist war criminal scumbag. Got it.
Being a military brat up in the late 70's and 80's in America as well as overseas. I always saw those ads in Soldier of Fortune and other adventure magazines sold at the base PX. I remember I was 10 I told my Dad I wanted to go to Rhodesia and fight. Of course he had one question for me which I still remember to this day, "Do you know where Rhodesia is?" I just stood there dumbfounded.
Americans and geography.....
@@juliusraben3526 I also believed that Atlantis was a real place. When you are 10 you have a wild imagination.
@@seanfh11 yeah... but that really doesnt count, now does it? The innocent and stupid thoughts of children
@@juliusraben3526 to be honest I do miss those days.
@@seanfh11 seriously... im dutch and a word often used for masturbating is called "aftrekken". But if you put that word into google translate to english, its translates to "subtract". So... ive often wondered if there was a sexual equivalent of "to add yourself up".
But honestly... id prefer last year of secondary school again. And again. Im 33 for context
Great video! Love the test at the end!
This is an excellent video, expertly put together really enjoyed it, well done
Good report, well done. As a very proud ex Rhodesian I like many others went through the bush war until the end. In my opinion there was no solution to this conflict. The whites knew that if they handed the country over to the black majority it would end up as it currently is, or has been for the 35 years or so, a total basket case. On the other hand the blacks, in the majority, did not want to be ruled by the whites and they had every right to fight for their rights. Pity the country has turned out the way it is. The one gentlemen towards the end said that he hoped his children would have enough food in the future, sadly that has not been the case for many. Looks like we were both runners up in the conflict!
No one wins
thank you! i agree entirely, it’s really sad to see how the place has turned out. and it really does seem like both sides lost. awesome to see a rhodie who isn’t racist
HOW many Rhodie farmers are farming in other African countries now? Excluding ZIMBONGO 2.0 (the RSA).
Sadly it looks as if South Africa will end up in ruins as well. The continent of Africa is being propped up and colonized by the Chinese as the world order slowly changes
You mean you gave them back their land. They can run the country as they wish as they are the locals
Great job mate! After the war a bunch of Rhodesian veterans and their families moved here to Australia, so we hear a bit about the ins and outs of the conflict, as well as everyday life in an active combat zone. Also, at 6:14 the rifle on the very top is actually a German G3, which were only used in limited numbers by the Rhodesians. The center rifle is a traditional FAL (pronounced f-ah-l), and the bottom is a FAL Paratrooper (often called the FAL Para or just the Para)
thanks, and that’s pretty cool. sorry for the error with the guns i’m not much of a gun guy
@@vortexhomy all good, great content mate!
The H&K G3 and the FN-FAL were both fine rifles. Wasn't the FAL at one time called "the Left arm of the Free World" or something similar?
@@mikejohnson5900 Right Arm of the Free World, yes
My neighbour is veteran RLI
I’m originally from Zimbabwe and my Dad served in the RLI from 1968 until 1980 when I was a year old. I will say though that despite there being some inaccuracies your age and level of research is really impressive. Keep up the great work
Very good and I really appreciate the music, it lifts the whole thing to another level.
You've got some potential in you. I'd encourage you to look into making more history videos, you could actually go somewhere with this. This is a good start - build on it. You can go some where with this if you play your cards right. Best of luck.
"We will be watching your career with great interest." - Sheev
thank you! :)
@@vortexhomy Just curious. Are you a vet?
nope, i’m 15👍
@@vortexhomy You're wise beyond your years. & have good taste in music.
@@gregoryhagen8801 thank you!
For a 15 year old you absolutely killed it, don’t get to into the comments people are really emotionally invested in this conflict for ideological and racial reasons and tend to get sensitive about it, but I hope you got a A
yes i did, thank you :)
@@vortexhomy awesome good for you kid :)
Yes, well done, but they actually didn’t lose battles or use chemical weapons. Not that it matters now considering the country is utterly destroyed.
Bruh, almost every war in history was fought over ideological or racial reasons
@@UncleDon226 You're so wrong, so many wars were/& are fought over power, internal-reasons like glory of the country(Italy vs Ethiopia 2, & some many wars fought by Romans) & most importantly resources.
Ideology, and beliefs are just causes given by the leaders, and ruling class to justify their war.
Incredible video guy! You’ve definitely got a lot of talent and a bright future ahead of you.
Best opening scene on ANY documentary. Well done!
Having served in the Rhodesian forces I can say with utmost certainty we did not use chemical weapons or lose one battle during the duration of the war. Rhodesia was strangled by sanctions, betrayed by our kith and kin in the UK and to spare more lives, both black and white, we reluctantly agreed to majority rule. The people who opposed and fought against us have now reaped what they fought and died for. A basket case of a country instead of the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
Rhodesia betrayed Britain not the other way round. You declared independence, that amounted to treason.
And the use of ricin on enemy food cans does amount to chemical warfare.
@@ayodejiolowokere1076 Declaring independence is not treason. Ask the Americans ;)
@@rolandet Exactly. America has been Great Britain's friend and ally since WWI. That being said, Britain had no money or vision for the post-WWII empire. Would the UK have helped Rhodesia if they'd remained in the Commonwealth? How? I am ashamed that, as an American, my nation pretended there were no moderate alternatives to Mugabe. But there were. But by 1975, we had no stomach to fight for democracy for Africa. Asia had bled us dry and exhausted. Which is a shame because we had a brief moment of success in keeping Congo in the Western orbit... but decided to let Katanga die... thus sealing the fate for the next African domino... which was Rhodesia.
@@GhostRanger5060 very true.
Alas that is to be said for many a developing nation.
Us 'westerners' (especially us western Europeans) do not have the best track records of leaving a country without proper knowledge or guidance to stand in its own feet)
Yet you still lost. Anyway, the conflict was not really one of open battles. Each side engaged in surprise strikes then they would escape.
I feel this is a very "unexplored" war when it comes to modern social media outlets. Great to see such a young person make a clear video about it!
because of how often the people who "explore" it are racist
It’s not talked about for good reason. Knowledge of it threatens a lot of important narratives.
Thank you putting this video together.
First time I see your content, nice, keep it going, it's great
Really great book about the Rhodesian Bush War is "A Handful of Hard Men" by Hannes Wessels. Details the exploits of the Rhodesian SAS during the war, some of the baddest Mofos ever.
Try Bravo 10 by Andy Ryan as well
3 other books worth reading to get a good overall perspective. "Fearful Odds", "Once Upon a White Man" and "In the Shadow of the Tokolosh."
Excellent recommendation. To be completely honest, I knew next to nothing about Rhodesia until a short while ago, but it is fascinating history no doubt. Not long ago, I had the fortune of meeting a friend’s uncle who served in the Rhodesian units. He was one tough motherfucker.
Fire Force and Survival Course by Chris Cocks are both excellent. They are two of the best war memoirs I've ever read.
Overall I’m impressed by this mini documentary. When I clicked on it I thought it was going to be a larp. It’s probably the best take I’ve seen on Rhodesia on RUclips. It is truly unbiased. If you have the time you should make more of these since they are great. You just earned yourself a sub.
thank you!!
Only people completely ignorant of the Marxist revolutionary activities and British Labor's support of the communist agenda could think this narrative is reality. Sad lack of knowledge here.
@@vortexhomy did you made it? Like I know it's a documentary you made it for your school project so did you edited all these videos.
Good documentary never the less. But he constantly shit on Europeans the entire video. Guessing he doesn’t want to come off as a racist or be scrutinized somehow. Decent film.
Disagree, inserting periodic music is annoying af had to stop watching
Great job presenting both sides. I’ve learned a lot.
As one who has always been interested in African history, you sir, have done an amazing job. I actually learnt more then I thought. For that, thank you, and please continue. Excellent.
One of the best videos i’ve ever watched. Seriously reminds me of an old documentary which is the best compliment i can give for a small content creator. Can‘t wait to watch the rest of your videos.
thank you, this makes me very happy
If only Rhodesia still existed perhaps the country wouldn't be the present basket case it is. The sad thing is SA is heading the same way.
100%
yeah, life would be great for the minority
@@TheTororist Maybe life was better for the poor and working class black man under a white government
It's OK if you are black and have money and can live in an affluent area
If you are poor life has got worse under black rule as clinics hospitals sanitation and infrastructure in general has collapsed
@@BosvarkDelta dont tell me what life was like in an apartheid state for black people unless you have lived it.
@@TheTororist I am South African and I grew up during the Apartheid era
The ANC have destroyed the infrastructure in the townships making life worse for those living there You can't deny that
Good stuff, excellent choice in music! You got a knack for this I think.
I couldn't help but laugh upon hearing the Donkey Kong music. Of all background tunes you had to pick this one. lol (great video!)
Wow, what an amazing video. The production quality is great. I‘d love to see more videos like this. Well done mate.
I just finished my history dissertation on South Africa's relationship with Rhodesia from 1974 to 1979. The South African prime minister J. B. Vorster's embrace of the idea of "detente" had a huge influence on the Rhodiesan bush war as South Africa, after the collapse of the Portuguese empire, was vital to propping up Rhodesia by providing it with arms, oil and trade routes. Vorster and, in 1976, Kissinger's pressure on Smith to compromise also had a huge impact on the outcome of events.
Kissinger was/is a disgusting self serving Globalist.
Interesting reads on Wikileaks on the deals that were struck with Kissinger in the 70s which essentially sacrificed Rhodesia for a few more years of South African apartheid.
Be interesting to find out if Kissinger/US State Dept ever regretted meddling with this and not supporting Smith. The USA finds itself on the back foot with rare earth items now, China played the long game and decides who runs Zimbabwe as Mugabe found out when he decided not to move over for the younger man that Bejing had chosen.
I would love to read your paper if you’re open, sounds absolutely fascinating. Im also writing a script on Rhodesia.
You are absolutely correct in the thesis that B.J. Vorster's involvement was crucial to the conduct of the Rhodesian Bush War.
I served the SADF in 1976 and my unit had been deployed in Rhodesia since 1969.
I myself was meant to be deployed to Binga on Lake Kariba in the third week of June 1976, but was stood down as a result of the deal between Vorster and Kissinger that was brewing at that time.
I would love to read your dissertation on the subject.
RMY
Mate that's a really good video. I really enjoyed it. You should be proud. Thanks
I'm surprised that Rhodesia was a topic covered in your AP Geo class, stuff like this isn't usually covered. Very interesting video on an obscure topic for many, I definitely learned a lot.
haha, wasn’t covered. we were just given the criteria to do a presentation on an ethnic conflict of some kind. chose rhodesia, not really ethnic but i just wanted to do it so i made it work
also thanks! glad you learned something new
Now the blacks own 100% of the land and Zimbabwe can't produce enough food for its population. Well done job.
Your not supposed to make comments like this. The big tech Algos will get you.
@@methanesprings4085 careful, they’ll get you for commenting on it too……
Nooo!!!! But equality is what makes us powerful!!!
@@kaliyuga1476 it’s kinda weird how fast the goal posts got moved from “respect and tolerance is what makes us powerful” to, you must treat everyone the same, offend no one, and treat minorities differently than everyone else…… 🙃
Contrary to widespread myth, Rhodesia was a poor country with a mostly poor population.
As a lover of history this was a well done video and look forward to future ones from you. Keep up the great work
I must say man this video is wonderfully put together. make more videos about history
Really nailed this your project
This was the way people should make documentaries. Good job dude, I subbed after watching this!
You make good history videos and the music you used fits the era, I also noticed one song from zelda majora's mask, keep up the excellent work!
well done, lovely documentary
Great information! On top of that I do love the random Donkey Kong music in the back ground as well!!!
It honestly reminds me of the story of Rwanda, only this really was black and white instead of an arbitrary determination of ethnicity.
The government was wrong and so were the rebels, but since no diplomatic solutions could be met. The messiest form of diplomacy ensued and morals and humanity were thrown to the wayside to the long term detriment of all involved.
The only solution would have been a gradual integration of blacks and whites into an equal societal position, with the aim to benefit all.
But we all know how petty and cruel humanity can be when we give in to our tribalism, fears and instincts. White or black, we all suffer from imperfection.
“Screw you, I’ve got mine”
What recourse did the rebels have? The Rhodesians were veterans of the Second World War and Malayan Emergency. They also had aircraft and tanks.
@@ayodejiolowokere1076 fighting and bloodshed is what I call a mistake.
Fighting a guerrilla campaign against a superior force is what I call optimal.
Q. What did they use for light before candles in Zimbabwe?
A. Electricity
racist much?
@@Mr.Universe Awwww does that hurt your wittle woke hole?? Probrecita!
@@Mr.Universe remember homeboy, both black and white rhodesians fought against Mugabe.
@@thiccfork8664 Pretty irrelevant how outrightly racist the Rhodesians were hOmEbOy.
@@fresatx does it hurt? What does that even mean? I guess being reasonable isn't your Forte huh.
Very well done man. Good video, crazy this seems like a class project you uploaded as this has almost a million views at the time of this comment, but the rest of your channel has little engagement. Talk about doing so good on a video that it goes mega viral and is the top video when searching for Rhodesia, cheers buddy.
Nice documentary!!
If I may, your audio levels were all over the place, except for the very last chapter. Thank-you.
I lived in Zimbabwe in the 1990s, met many (both black and white) who had served in the Rhodesian armed forces and I knew several who worked in the UK before leaving for Zim. They knew Mugabe would fail and leave Zimbabwe poorer, most people grasped that after it was too late and the rot had set in. We should not forget Smith contnued to live in Zimbabwe until his death, he was often seen on an old bicycle going about his business without security or worried by the local population who often waved and appeared to really like him. We should also remember he left modest assets and had no plundered the resources of the nation to enrch himself. In comparison Mugabe travelled by helicopter to rural areas to heavily screened and managed events with supporters or via armoured mercedes to local events in Harare (Salisbury) his entourage going through the streets of Harare with troop carriers and outriders looked like soemthing crossed between a crcus and whackey races! When Mugabe died his wealth was stashed in Switzerland and he'd raped the nation of it's wealth to enrich himself and ignored those who should have served.
When you looked at the infrastructure of Zimbabwe you could always see the Rhodesian well built civic pride and quality that had lasted for years and allowed Zimbabwe to continue to function, but that must be creaking to the point of failure now after years of corruption and no investment within the nation.
Smith's biggest mistake was not securing a sea port to bring in goods and essential items, he should have secured Maputo in Mozambique, as there were plenty of people prepared to supply him. Those people just found it very hard with time and costs using South Africa due to other sanctions. Rhodesia could have used armoured trains to bring huge amounts of supplies into the nation then via this sea port and by giving local people more food and security both ZANU PF and ZAPU would not have been able to tap into the discontent so readily.
Smith should have also secured more helicopeters as his heavier military forces could have been moved around better to counter the insurgnets and follow up on them with more hot persuit missions, indeed bringing mercenaries (let's not forget many of them would be black as we have seen with Executive Outcomes) into the fight to conduct these missions while freeing up Rhodesia police to protect supply lines/borders and key assets would have also ensured that his government continued and local people prospered in peace.
The west was too weak and wanted to get rid of Rhodesia, they left the people to a life of poverty under a corrupt and greedy President that murdered thousands of of people just for being Ndebele! By allowing Mugabe to rule unhindered by accountability this brought China into Zimbabwe and North Korea, giving them influence and opportunity to take resources that benefited them, Mugabe's bank balance and not the people of Zimbabwe.
I met both Ian Smith and Robert Mugabe while I lived in Zimbabwe, Smith was quiet and thoughtful almost shy man who was modest in lifestyle andinteresting to speak with. Mugabe was deeply unpleasant, he was rude to a British MP on a visit there and while he tried to make it a joke it was clear Mugabe was trying too hard to be the big man when he clearly felt the former colonial master was making him look a bit of a plonker......a brash and loud man sometimes, no matter the expensive suits the man within was cheap and unworthy of the post of President.
Most fair minded people would accept that Zimbabweans had a better standard of living, education and safety under Smith. Another lesson in careful what you wish for when people come to you selling the dream of a better life or playing the race card, as South Africa is also learning the hard way with ANC failure and corruption.
"Playing the race card?" Apartheid was good, is that your point? It's good for governments to discriminate based on race, is that what you mean?
@@cinatiropel not at all if you'd actually got some awareness of history you'd understand how apartheid could have been avoided in South Africa (Rhodesia didn't have apartheid and they had black representation in Parliament before 1980) . Interesting concept to throw abuse at someone highlighting the shortcomings of a video and trying to provide some context... So using your style you're suggesting that Marxism is brilliant, Rhodesia was a failure and Zimbabwe is a land of milk and honey for all 😂 my suggestion is pick up a book and do some research rather than following activist soundbites and telling everyone you cannot agreed with they're racist... They're not, just better informed than you.
AFRICA For Africans! Mugabe should have followed Amin lead and expelled all you bastard back to Britain or wherever the hell you people came from! Every man (race ) has a right to decide his own destiny and in this judgement there will be no partiality, so arm in arm with arms we’ll fight this little struggle… Long live ZIMBABWE! Down with colonialism and the bastards who gave birth to it.
@@karlhenry2328 hahaha you would stave to death within no time or be seeking a Live Aid concert to feed you!
Thanks for your insights. I read somewhere that Mugabe entered his country's national lottery and - surprise, surprise - by an amazing coincidence (!), won millions. That says it all for me. You noted that Ian Smith went about on an old bicycle. How deeply ironic! I believe Smith was a Spitfire pilot in WW2. I feel guilty that I was so idealistically left-wing in those days, and supported the sanctions against UDI.
Some of my instructors in the SADF were ex RLI
SA should have stood with Rhodesia we would have been unstoppable
Vorster's policy of detente was of course a very bitter blow to Rhodesia. On the other hand, South Africa was the only country in the world that sent members of its armed forces to fight in Rhodesia. Indeed, a large proportion of the Alouette helicopters were flown by South African pilots and maintained by South African technicians. Consequently, the Rhodesian historian Dr J.R.T. Wood has commented: ‘At one stage, 27 South African helicopters were deployed in Rhodesia. Within No. 7 (helicopter) Squadron, the South African Alouettes were designated as belonging to Alpha Flight . . . . When major cross-border operations were being mounted, such was the co-operation with the South African Air Force that the Rhodesians could field 50 helicopters.' www.jrtwood.com/article_fireforce.asp Moreover, South African support resumed under P.W. Botha. For instance, 13 SAAF Puma helicopters took part in Operation Uric in September 1979: www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Puma-164-Operation-Assault/dp/1920143572
@@glendodds3824 there where some americans but they where mercenaries
If South Africa did that, the conflict and sanctions would have spilled over there. It may have sealed South Africa's fate with Rhodesia's.
@@shawndaguiar2531 There was a good number of Americans. They were not mercenaries as they had to sign up on the standard pay and conditions.
@@tigershoot yeah sorry my mistake my father told me they where volunteering to go fight in Rhodesia
Nice presentation, more of this please.
damn my dude this was amazing! watched all the way through and then checked the info and year and i thought this was a PBS-esque type special. i hope you got thee highest grade you could. maybe do Somalia and Somaliland next year
Good video on a topic I didn’t know much about. Thank you. Very entertaining!
thank you for the great feedback! glad you enjoyed the video :)
Never knew about the airliners that got shot down. It makes me angry and sad to think of all the survivors thinking they were being rescued, only to be robbed, brutalized, and shot. Great Music Choices. There were some errors in there that other people have pointed out, but either way, this is a really good video for a High School Project. I'm guessing you had to show it to the class from the questions at the end? I'm curious to know what people thought of it, and I hope it got an awareness of this conflict out to at least a few people.
That's because the BBC's and the CNN's don't report nowhere near the true just like in Ukraine. They run the government narrative.
Thats what you get dealing with scum
A ridiculous set up torn down in an erstwhile period in one of sundry corners of Africa
Why does anyone need awareness of it?
He didn't even mention how they executed missionaries
ikr Donkey Kong 😂
The music in this video is so good champion props to you!
wow bro i just watched some dudes AP project. good shit. definitely an A+ bro.
I'd love to watch more micro documentaries man! Keep it coming
Love the video all around, editing is pretty good, video was informative plus even with knowledge on the subject it was still interesting and the music selection is perfect. I know most of the music so this isn’t an issue but if possible could you please link your music for others, thank you.
Edit: Please keep doing history, you have the talent and potential for it, I’ll be sticking around regardless of what you do but I still recommend you go for it.
thank you, really made my day. i may keep doing history videos in the future
I stopped to work there for 7 months in 1975 doing the overland Africa thing (161 Union Ave :) It was clean, safe and beautiful - I doubt its anything like that now.
When I heard the Donkey Kong Country theme song, I immediately hit that like & subscribe button. Excellent documentary!!! 🎉
Very cool video. I especially liked the use of music throughout the video in manifesting these historical moments.
thanks
Pretty good vid better than other ones on RUclips not boring straight to the point with pictures.
make more of these videos of conflicts we rarely hear.
Wow we are the same age and i can never dream of making such achievements that you have made
Keep it up i look up to you
Excellent documentary kid. You have a bright future ahead
My grandfather fought in Angola alongside many of these troops, also talked with other refugees from Mozambique, the things that happened over there, it’s just horrible the massacre that occurred is just petrifying, one story from my mothers friend sticks out in which he was trying to escape like my grandfather, he was pinned down hiding in a bush while he listened to a bus full of women burn alive after revolutionaries set ablaze, I haven’t heard much from my grandfather but I can only imagine what he went through since he was conscripted.
It's good there are no colonialists anymore.
@@lutho7693 Are you from Zimbabwe?
@@piet8803
South Africa
My grandfather from my dads side also fought in Angola, he was a tank crewman for the Cuban expeditionary force, he said that he did many bad things he wished he could undo , when he was alive he never smiled and his eyes were always void of any light, they were cold. War turns us into the worst version of ourselves.
@@Skeety08
War is when the inner evils of humanity takes course of our actions...
I really enjoyed this min-doc. I'd love to see more of your work!
thank you!
Nice video pal!
Lovely soundtrack!
May Rhodesia never die.
Still called robots and not zimbots :p
@@DeathTrick101 Still called marxmen not marksmen. Enjoy your human waves.
It’s dead af champ
@@udonwarrior9983 Only a communist would need that.
I’m very intrigued by Rhodesia and Zimbabwea so I really like this video. The only criticism of the video is the balance of sound, loud music followed by soft voices. Good research and good story telling. Keep improving and don’t settle. You can and will do better.
thank you!! i will
Good documentary, well written 😊🙏
Very good content for a school project i must say this is a very good JOb.
It is a highly misunderstood war. For one thing, there were many black pro-Smith Rhodesians that fought for its survival against the communists who were trying to destroy it. A simple skimming over of even the most elementary level information about that war easily shows this.
I want to personally thank all of you Rhodesian veterans for your service, wherever you are. I was not even born yet, but your story is an incredible one. This Maryland boy admires your sacrifices and will always honour you and remember you. God bless you all! Rhodesians NEVER die! ✝️💪
“The first word in Rhodesian is Rhodes
That's a name that everybody knows
It may be as Rhodesian
As the flag of white and green
But the last word in Rhodesian is IAN’”
LONG LIVE RHODESIA!!!
What childish nonsense. Rhodesia collapsed in part because of manpower shortages. If there was significant black support there would have been no such shortages or extended tours of duty.
Nepadiki ndingangoti ngomahuru is open for business as well
It's a racist country
I grew up in Zimbabwe I lost family in the war you have no right , you have no idea. Some whites where also against Colonialism. You won't get that context from reading books. The "communists" never actually believed in communism. They simply said the right things to get guns an training from the Chinese and Russians. The the 80's the Americans and British loved Mugabe. Mugabe was knighted by the Queen in 1994 , even though the CIA and MI6 knew he was brutally repressing the people in Matebeland. He was only stripped of his knighthood in 2008. He have short sighted race based view of a country you have no ties to.
One of my favorite documentaries on RUclips so far... good job bro
wow tysm!
This channel is great !
Just a note (Probably not the first to point this out): at 6:15, the top image is of a German Heckler and Koch G3, not an FN FAL. The bottom two are FAL pattern rifles though.
I don’t know too much about the Rhodesian conflict, other than reading Wikipedia once or twice, but this was very informative, well presented, and entertaining. Thanks!