In 1965 a former British colony in Southern Africa declared itself independent in the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. This nation was Rhodesia. On its own it fought a bloody Civil War and insurgency against communist guerrillas. For years Rhodesia stood alone, the brave men of the Rhodesian Light Infantry and the Selous Scouts, fighting a bloody war everyday to secure their homeland.
In 1973 following the American withdrawal of Vietnam the United States was desperate for a win on the global stage. Against all odds several senators and the Rhodesian ambassador to the United States were able to convince Congress to send an Expeditionary Force to Rhodesia on behalf of the Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith. The conditions were simple the United States would offer military aid to Rhodesia and in return Rhodesia would fully integrate its society as the Unites States had done previously.
The military plan was seen by many planners to have better potential for victory than Vietnam ever did. Firstly the United States would be operating in a friendly western country, second they would be bordered by several other friendly nations such as South Africa. Finally the USSR and China were further removed from the content than Vietnam. It was thought that Rhodesia would offer the United States a chance to save face and secure vital resources needed to defeat the Soviet Union.
On January 4th 1974 the United States deployed 4000 troops to Rhodesia and lifted all embargos previously placed on Rhodesia. The United States further pressured the United Kingdom to also lift its sanctions. Seeing public opinion beginning to change South Africa no longer helped Rhodesia in secret but now openly joined the conflict. The Rhodesian Bush War was no an international conflict.
By the end of 1974 Ft. Kennedy had been established outside of Bulawayo in Rhodesia and housed 15,000 US Army Personnel and 3000 Marines. Another 3000 South African, and 1200 Australian troops were stationed in Rhodesia as well. Usomg the knowledge and tactics gained in the Vietnam War the United States used its full might to quickly assist the Rhodesians in destroying the communist guerrilla threat by the end of 1978.
As promised following the Rhodesian victory in 1978 Rhodesia, and now South Africa facing international pressure, agreed to end apartheid by 1980 and fully integrate by the year 1990.
In 1973 following the American withdrawal of Vietnam the United States was desperate for a win on the global stage. Against all odds several senators and the Rhodesian ambassador to the United States were able to convince Congress to send an Expeditionary Force to Rhodesia on behalf of the Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith. The conditions were simple the United States would offer military aid to Rhodesia and in return Rhodesia would fully integrate its society as the Unites States had done previously.
The military plan was seen by many planners to have better potential for victory than Vietnam ever did. Firstly the United States would be operating in a friendly western country, second they would be bordered by several other friendly nations such as South Africa. Finally the USSR and China were further removed from the content than Vietnam. It was thought that Rhodesia would offer the United States a chance to save face and secure vital resources needed to defeat the Soviet Union.
On January 4th 1974 the United States deployed 4000 troops to Rhodesia and lifted all embargos previously placed on Rhodesia. The United States further pressured the United Kingdom to also lift its sanctions. Seeing public opinion beginning to change South Africa no longer helped Rhodesia in secret but now openly joined the conflict. The Rhodesian Bush War was no an international conflict.
By the end of 1974 Ft. Kennedy had been established outside of Bulawayo in Rhodesia and housed 15,000 US Army Personnel and 3000 Marines. Another 3000 South African, and 1200 Australian troops were stationed in Rhodesia as well. Usomg the knowledge and tactics gained in the Vietnam War the United States used its full might to quickly assist the Rhodesians in destroying the communist guerrilla threat by the end of 1978.
As promised following the Rhodesian victory in 1978 Rhodesia, and now South Africa facing international pressure, agreed to end apartheid by 1980 and fully integrate by the year 1990.
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