Ian Smith

Date of Birth: April 8, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: November 20, 2007

Biography

Ian Douglas Smith was a prominent British-Rhodesian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) from 1964 to 1979. He was born in Selukwe, Southern Rhodesia, and was educated at Rhodes University in South Africa. Smith was a key figure in the Rhodesian Front, a political party that sought to maintain white minority rule. His declaration of Rhodesia as an independent republic in 1965 without British consent led to international isolation and economic sanctions. Despite this, Smith remained a popular figure among his supporters for his staunch anti-communism and resistance to majority rule. His tenure ended with the Lancaster House Agreement, which transitioned Rhodesia to majority rule and led to the creation of Zimbabwe in 1980.

5 Interesting Facts about Ian Smith

1. Ian Smith was the first native-born prime minister of Rhodesia.

2. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II.

3. Smith survived a near-fatal crash and was captured by Italian forces but later escaped.

4. He was a vocal critic of British colonial policies and believed strongly in self-governance.

5. After stepping down, Smith wrote his memoirs, “The Great Betrayal,” detailing his political career and views.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ian Smith

1. “We have struck a blow for the preservation of justice, civilization, and Christianity, and in the spirit of this belief, we have this day assumed our sovereign independence.”

2. “I was brought up in a country where people were judged not by the color of their skin but by their character and achievements.”

3. “The policy of appeasement has always failed in history.”

4. “I am confident that history will judge us more kindly than some of our contemporaries.”

5. “I have always been prepared to forgive, but I am not prepared to forget.”