The AskHistorians Podcast is a project that highlights the users and answers that have helped make /r/AskHistorians one of the largest history discussion forum on the internet. You can subscribe to us via iTunes, Stitcher, or RSS, and now on YouTube. You can also catch the latest episodes on SoundCloud. If there is another index you'd like the cast listed on, let me know!
This Episode:
We wrap up our conversation with /u/ProfRhodes regarding Zimbabwe. This episode picks up in the mid-20th century, as decolonization sweeps across Africa. We examine the efforts of the white minority to hold on to power, leading to the Unilateral Declaration of Independence and onwards to the Bush War. We continue through the Lancaster Agreement into post-independence Zimbabwe, the rise of Mugabe, and the Gukurahundi. The disastrous land reforms and hyperinflation are also discussed in the context of Zimbabwe as a symbolic state as much as it is a new one. (89min)
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Coming up next episode: /u/cordis_melum covers the Peoples Temple, the cult made famous by their mass suicide at "Jonestown."
Previous Episodes and Discussion
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First off, I want to thank both /u/400-rabbits and /u/ProfRhodes for taking time to be clear about the relationship between ZANU and their military wing ZANLA and ZAPU/ZIPRA. You are both quite right that the acronyms can get quite confusing and pile upon top of each other.
I have a question about of the independence parties and their military wings. Did the leadership of the military wings come to overshadow the Political leadership during the bush war and subsequent majority rule? /u/profrhodes mentioned that Robert Mugabe was initially the Vice Chairman of ZANU under Sithole. Did Mugabe have a military position within ZANLA? And after majority rule, how did Mugabe or his supporters represent his role in the independence struggle?