Profession: British Businessman and Imperialist Politician
Biography: Cecil Rhodes played a key role in shaping the expansion of the British Empire in southern Africa.
Rhodes moved to South Africa at age 17 due to health issues. He entered the diamond trade and found success quickly. In 1888, Rhodes formed De Beers Consolidated Mines, which soon controlled most of the world's diamond production.
Rhodes entered politics and became Prime Minister of Cape Colony in 1890. He used his position to further British interests and his own business ventures. Rhodes played a key role in expanding British territory in Africa, leading to the creation of Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Rhodes belief in British imperialism guided his vision of a British-controlled railway from Cape Town to Cairo. His views on race were complex, although are now broadly considered problematic. While he supported some rights for Africans, he also implemented policies that limited their political power.
Rhodes never married, focusing instead on his work. He established the Rhodes Scholarship in his will to promote unity among English-speaking nations. This scholarship continues to benefit students worldwide.
Rhodes died in 1902, but his legacy remains controversial. Some view him as a visionary empire-builder, while others see him as a ruthless imperialist. Debates about his impact on history continue to this day, particularly with the “Rhodes Must Fall” movement which began in 2015.
Born: July 5, 1853
Birthplace: Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Cancer
Died: March 26, 1902 (aged 48)
Cause of Death: Heart failure
Business Career
- 1888-10-29 Lord Salisbury grants Cecil Rhodes charter for British South Africa Company
- 1888-10-30 Ndebele-king Lobengula grants Cecil Rhodes, Mashonaland £100 per month
- 1889-10-29 Queen Victoria grants Cecil Rhodes rights to Zambezia
- 1890-06-27 Cecil Rhodes' colonists attack Motlousi in Matabeleland
- 1890-07-17 Cecil Rhodes becomes Premier of Cape Colony
- 1890-08-01 Cecil Rhodes' colonists reach Lundi
- 1890-08-14 Cecil Rhodes' British colonists reach Masvingo (Fort Victoria), oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe
- 1890-09-12 Cecil Rhodes' colonists found Fort Salisbury (now Harare, Zimbabwe)
- 1890-09-13 Cecil Rhodes' colonists hoist the Union Jack in Mashonaland & Salisbury (modern Zimbabwe)
- 1896-01-06 Cecil Rhodes resigns as premier of Cape colony
- 1897-07-16 The South African Committee, investigating the Jameson Raid releases its report finding that it was conducted almost implicitly through the support and encouragement of Cecil Rhodes and the mining houses in the Transvaal
- 1900-02-15 Boer War: Siege of Kimberley broken by British troops under Lieutenant-General John French after a 124 day siege. Kimberley defense led by Cecil Rhodes.
- 1902-04-04 Cecil Rhodes scholarship fund forms with $10 million
Famous Entrepreneurs
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