Northern Rhodesia

Northern Rhodesia (present-day Zambia) was a British protectorate established in 1911 and administered by the British South Africa Company until 1924, when it came under direct British government control. The region was known for its vast mineral resources, particularly copper, forming part of the "Copperbelt," one of Africa's most significant mining areas.

During the colonial period, Northern Rhodesia was strategically important but marred by economic and social discrimination against the African population, as much of the wealth benefited European interests.

Northern Rhodesia gained independence from British rule on October 24, 1964, becoming the Republic of Zambia, with Kenneth Kaunda serving as its first president. Independence was achieved through nationalist movements opposing the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953-1963), a political union imposed by the British that grouped Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and Nyasaland (now Malawi).