Zimbabwean Liberation War

The Zimbabwean Liberation War, also called the Rhodesian Bush War or Second Chimurenga, was the armed struggle against Rhodesia's white-minority government. It lasted from the 1960s until the Lancaster House settlement in 1979. [Zimbabwe National Army history](https://zna.gov.zw/?page_id=1265)

The conflict grew out of opposition to white-minority rule and Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965. Armed nationalist campaigns expanded during the 1970s, turning the political dispute into a prolonged rural war. [Zimbabwe government historical overview](https://www.zimluanda.gov.zw/?page_id=23095)

ZANLA was the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army, associated with ZANU, while ZIPRA was the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army, associated with ZAPU. They were the principal African nationalist military forces opposing the Rhodesian security forces. [Zimbabwe National Army history](https://zna.gov.zw/?page_id=1265)

The Lancaster House Agreement was signed on December 21, 1979, creating a ceasefire and a transition toward majority rule. Elections followed in February 1980, and Zimbabwe became independent on April 18, 1980. [Zimbabwe government historical overview](https://www.zimluanda.gov.zw/?page_id=23095)