Question

explain why the first Chimurenga of 1896-97 was a necessity to the people of Zimbabwe

Answer 1

Chimurenga Resistance (Zimbabwe)Zimbabwe was colonized in the early 1890s by the British South African Company. The Company used a combination of deceit and violence to gain control of Zimbabwe and to take away the best land from the Shona and Ndebele peoples. In 1896/1897 in separate acts, both of these groups staged armed uprising against the European colonialists. Traditional religious leaders played an important part in leading these resistance movements. Chimurenga is the Shona word for uprising. The BSAC used brutal force to put down the Chimurenga.

Answer 2

The first Chimurenga of 1896-97 was a necessity to the people of Zimbabwe because of the following reasons :

1.  The British colonial polices were oppressive and had reached to their heights now.

2.  The land revenue taxation was very high and oppressive. Even the people had to pay marriage tax.

3.  Traditional practices of people were criminalized and hunting was declared illegal.

4.  The British introduced racist practices. People including elders were often abused and disrespected.

5.  Cattle of people was looted and the people were driven away from fertile lands.

6.  The British began to annex more and more territories. The people became aware of the true intentions of the British.

7.  This uprising united the people and created a feeling of nationalism among them. The people for the first time took arms against the British.

8.  This first uprising paved the way for second uprising and ultimately the freedom of Zimbabwe.