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The Ndebele Shona Uprising of 1896 was a widespread rising of both the Shona and Ndebele peoples against white rule and their agents in Southern Rhodesia. The uprising was a response to various long-term causes, including loss of national independence and foreign capital structures being imposed on them after the 1893 war.
The uprising began in March 1896 when the Ndebele rose up against white settlers in Matabeleland. The Shona joined the uprising in April, and it quickly spread throughout Southern Rhodesia. The rebels attacked white settlements, mining towns, and railway lines.
The British South Africa Company responded by sending troops to suppress the rebellion. The company forces were better equipped than the rebels and had modern firearms such as machine guns and maxim guns. They also had support from African auxiliaries who were loyal to the company.
The rebellion was ultimately crushed by October 1896, with many rebels being killed or captured. The British South Africa Company responded with brutal force, executing many rebels without trial and burning down villages suspected of supporting the rebellion.
The results of the uprising were significant. It led to increased tensions between black Africans and white settlers in Southern Rhodesia, as well as increased repression by colonial authorities. It also highlighted issues related to land ownership and labor exploitation that would continue to be sources of conflict for years to come.
