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Cecil Rhodes: The Man Behind The Statues

Anthony Wells

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Cecil John Rhodes was a British businessman, mining magnate, and politician who played a significant role in the history of southern Africa. He was born in 1853 in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England. Rhodes' father was a clergyman, and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy brewer. Rhodes was educated at Eton and Oxford Universities.

Rhodes first became involved in business in the diamond fields of South Africa in 1871. He quickly made a fortune and went on to found the De Beers Consolidated Mines, which became one of the largest diamond mining companies in the world. Rhodes also founded the British South Africa Company, which was responsible for the colonization of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Rhodes was a controversial figure during his lifetime. He was accused of being a racist and an imperialist. However, he was also a brilliant businessman and a visionary thinker. He believed in the British Empire and its mission to bring civilization to Africa. Rhodes' legacy is complex and contested. He is remembered as both a great man and a flawed one.

Cecil Rhodes: The Man Behind the Statues

by Kevin Shillington

4.4 out of 5

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Rhodes' Early Life and Education

Cecil John Rhodes was born on July 5, 1853, in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England. His father, the Rev. Francis William Rhodes, was a clergyman, and his mother, Louisa Peacock Rhodes, was the daughter of a wealthy brewer. Rhodes was the fifth of seven children.

Rhodes' family was not wealthy, but they were able to provide him with a good education. He attended Eton College and Oxford University. At Oxford, Rhodes studied classics and law. He also developed a keen interest in politics and history.

Rhodes' Business Career

After graduating from Oxford, Rhodes moved to South Africa in 1871. He quickly made a fortune in the diamond fields of Kimberley. In 1888, Rhodes founded the De Beers Consolidated Mines, which became one of the largest diamond mining companies in the world.

Rhodes also founded the British South Africa Company, which was responsible for the colonization of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The British South Africa Company was granted a royal charter in 1889, and Rhodes was appointed its managing director.

Rhodes' Political Career

Rhodes entered politics in 1881, when he was elected to the Cape Colony Parliament. He served in the Cape Parliament for 20 years, and he was Prime Minister of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896.

Rhodes' Legacy

Rhodes died in 1902 at the age of 49. He is buried in the Matopos Hills in Rhodesia. Rhodes' legacy is complex and contested. He is remembered as both a great man and a flawed one.

Rhodes' supporters argue that he was a visionary leader who helped to build the British Empire and bring civilization to Africa. They point to his many accomplishments, including the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines, the British South Africa Company, and the University of Cape Town.

Rhodes' critics argue that he was a racist and an imperialist who exploited Africa for his own gain. They point to his support for the apartheid system in South Africa and his use of violence against African peoples.

Ultimately, Rhodes' legacy is a matter of opinion. He was a complex and controversial figure who had both positive and negative qualities. His legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

Cecil Rhodes was a complex and controversial figure who had a profound impact on the history of southern Africa. He was a brilliant businessman and a visionary thinker, but he was also a racist and an imperialist. Rhodes' legacy is a complex one, and it is still debated today.

Cecil Rhodes: The Man Behind the Statues

by Kevin Shillington

4.4 out of 5