What is Unilateral Declaration of Independence (Rhodesia)?
#REDIRECT [[Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence]] <!-- '''Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Rhodesia''' The Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Rhodesia was a significant political event that took place on November 11, 1965. It marked the proclamation of independence by the British self-governing colony of Southern Rhodesia, which was located in southern Africa. The UDI was a unilateral action by the predominantly white-minority government of Rhodesia led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, who sought to maintain white minority rule in the face of growing pressure for majority rule and decolonization. '''Background:''' Southern Rhodesia was a British colony situated in the region that is now modern-day Zimbabwe. The colony had a racially divided population, with a minority of white settlers holding political and economic power over the indigenous black majority. As the wave of decolonization swept across Africa in the 20th century, pressure increased on the British government to grant self-determination and majority rule to its colonies. However, the white minority government of Southern Rhodesia resisted these pressures, fearing that majority rule would lead to the loss of their privileged status. Negotiations between the British government and the Rhodesian government to establish a new constitution that would pave the way for majority rule stalled due to disagreements over the protection of minority rights. '''UDI and International Response:''' In response to the impasse in negotiations, on November 11, 1965, Prime Minister Ian Smith and his government unilaterally declared Rhodesia's independence from Britain. The UDI was met with condemnation from the international community and the United Nations, which considered it a breach of international law and a violation of the principle of self-determination. The British government, led by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, denounced the UDI as illegal and imposed economic sanctions on Rhodesia. These sanctions aimed to isolate th