The End of the Oil Embargo Against Rhodesia (1965)

Name: The End of the Oil Embargo Against Rhodesia (1965)
Start: 1919-12-17
Location: Unspecified

The Background of the Oil Embargo

The 1965 Declaration of Independence

On November 11, 1965, Rhodesia, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, unilaterally declared independence from Britain, aiming to establish a government that favored the white minority's interests over the black majority. In response to this declaration, the British government imposed an oil embargo as a form of protest and to pressure Rhodesia into negotiating a settlement that would allow for African majority rule.

International Community's Reaction

The oil embargo was supported by the international community, including the United Nations, which called for sanctions against Rhodesia. However, the effectiveness of the embargo was severely undermined by the fact that illegal oil trades continued from South Africa and other neighboring countries.

The Proclamation of Lifting the Oil Embargo

The British Government's Announcement

On March 17, 1965, the British government proclaimed the end of the oil embargo against Rhodesia, citing the necessity for stabilizing the regional economy and the changing dynamics of the political situation. This decision was made despite ongoing tensions and unrest in Rhodesia due to the government’s refusal to accede to demands for African representation.

Implications of Lifting the Embargo

The lifting of the embargo had immediate repercussions, as it allowed Rhodesia to import oil without restrictions. However, this act was met with criticism from anti-colonial movements worldwide who felt it legitimized the Smith regime's actions and further entrenched racial inequalities in Rhodesia.

Fun Fact

The Legacy of the Oil Embargo

The embargo and its eventual lifting are often discussed in the context of the struggle against apartheid policies in southern Africa, showcasing the complexities of colonial legacy and the fight for independence during the 20th century.