A Rhodesian Dream...

I don't think the word 'Xhosa' entered the entered the English language until much later. And I especially wouldn't imagine someone like Cecil Rhodes using it, it's pronounced with a click for heavens' sake, that's no way for a civilised gentleman to speak. :)

haha I understand. But I meant whatever Cape Towners referred to the Xhosa at that time.

Update tommorow...

This sounds very promising - I do admire how TTL's Rhodes has turned for the better.

While it is true he is more tolerant of people in this TL, it doesn't mean he hasn't lost his visions of Empire. If anything, this allows him to accomplish it in a diffferent way.
 
Last edited:
#3: The Winds of Change

South African Politics
Cape Town Publishing
Used with Permission…

…Rhodes and Hofmeyr’s new policy toward citizenship divided the Afrikaner Bond. Many liberal Cape Town Afrikaners welcomed the changes and used it as an opportunity to educate their children along with others and make Cape Town a more tolerant place. But other radical conservative Afrikaners found this to be the last straw and some migrated north to the Transvaal. Many undecided or moderate Afrikaners were persuaded by the charisma and sheer intelligence of Gandhi, who now made regular trips to Cape Town from Natal. This new act shook up the entire Empire as Rhodes desegregated Universities and other schools. For the first two years, the new desegregation began to seep into the population and after some high tensions between Parents and others in Universities, many discovered that just because someone was of a different color, doesn’t mean they are any different. This marked an incredible shift in South African culture and shaped what the nation’s culture looks like today…

----------

The Oxford Encyclopedia
Interweb Edition
Used with permission…

2nd Voortrekkers: A term used for the Afrikaners moving out of Cape Colony from 1893 to 1899, mainly for political reasons. They were spurned on by the desegregation of schools and changes in citizenship rules. Only the most conservatives left the Cape. The destination was Transvaal, where President Kruger continued his conservative rule. Some other conservatives also settled in Bechuanaland, at the time a British Protectorate.

----------

1894
Lobatse, Bechuanaland

Kgosi [1] Khama III was in deep troublesome thought. As Kgosi over all of Bechuanaland [2], he felt responsible for his people. The recent attacks by the new Boer settlers in his lands brought back memories of the first white settlers and when he made the difficult decision to place himself under British protection. Now he must make a new choice. The British were unwilling to help and provoke the Boers further, with his current status as simply a crown colony. He, even as Kgosi, did not have enough power to get British troops to protect them. He did know a way to increase his say greatly. Khama had seen the incredible developments that had taken place within Cape Colony and applauded them greatly. A side effect however was the Boer attacks. It would a huge step to implement what he was thinking, but it was only way to save his people and give them a better life. He grabbed a pen and began writing:

Dear Premier Rhodes,

I, Khama III, ruler of Bechuanaland, come to you for aid. Recent attacks by conservative Boers, many of whom used to live in Cape colony are distressing my people and me greatly. I understand that formerly we have had our differences [3], but I see now you have and the entire Cape Colony has turned over a new leaf. I deeply admire and respect the things you are doing in Cape Colony and I hope that you continue this important new trend.

I am willing to unite Bechuanaland within the Cape Colony political system. This will not come without a price though. I wish to add my troops to the British South African Police as well as the Cape provide funding to found several new desegregated schools in the area. I also wish to have the same protection from the Boers that the Cape enjoys. This is a large step for me and my people, and should be treated as such.

If you accept my offer, I will travel down to Cape Town and we will discuss the further political integration and plans for new schools and military.

Regards, Kgosi Khama III

As he finished writing, he smiled to himself. His people were now heading in a new direction; a direction he hoped would bring his people a bright future…
-------

[1] – Kgosi means ‘king’ or ‘chief’ in Bechuana

[2] – Bechuanaland is the early name for southern Botswana

[3] – In 1881, prior to the POD, Rhodes wanted to completely open up the area to white expansion and disenfranchise the Africans there. Khama resisted him and set up a separate deal with the British Crown.

-----

Comments?
 
A map detailing the first major geo-political change.

Rhodes.gif
 
Agreed loving this
Could have massive changes on the tribes all around.
What about the Zulu Wars have they happend yet? and later theres the matable (spelling) wars.
You have such a great spread on which to go with.
Can't wait for more
 
#4: Beginnings of Empire

South Africa: A Triumph
London Publishing
Used with permission…

…with the discovery of gold in northern Bechuanaland and the founding of Francistown in 1895, Cape Colony now had a fluid northern border. White settlement would continue to pour north as black tribesmen, now who had the option of citizenship moved south to attend school inside the Cape. This new phenomenon became known as the Colored Exodus, and it spread from the Cape to other parts. Many blacks also left South Africa completely for a better life. Many moved to Canada, India, and other areas of the British Empire. Most of all was in England. This process would be increased ten-fold in the aftermath of the Matabele War…

----------------

1894
Cape Town, South Africa

“I am amazed at the change this town has gone through. This is truly the fist modern city of Africa!” Sir Harry Johnston, the director of British Central Africa [1], exclaimed as he walked with Cecil Rhodes from his hotel to the Cape House of Assembly. It was a bright, vibrant day in Cape Town and people were bustling about as children, black and white, got out of school together.

“Port Elizabeth is beginning to look like this as well, my friend [2].” Rhodes responded smiling, but soon began to frown. “If only the countryside could look like this…”

“Why isn’t the countryside receiving the same changes?” Johnston asked, curious as to why Rhodes was worried.

“Well, it’s simply a different environment. Tribes, Chiefdoms, spread out farms… It makes an education system hard to uphold. I have founded several large boarding schools out in Kimberly and other places and while it is making some inroads; it’s not as much as I would’ve hoped.” Rhodes said as they walked up the steps of the House of Assembly and entered the ornately colored building. Rhodes and Johnston walked up a large marble staircase and into a large hallway. Rhodes walked into the first door on the left and Johnston followed. “Welcome to my office. Take a seat.” He stated as he sat down at a large wooden desk.

“Ah quite comfortable, are we?” Johnston said, smirking as he took a seat in a leather chair facing Rhodes.

“I do what I can. Balancing personal finances and philanthropy can be tough though…” Rhodes answered. “Oh, while we are on the subject, how many schools do you plan on opening?”

“Three. I wish to put one in each major town. I’ll speak to the crown but the same voting rights would be extended to them as in Cape Colony. I’ll need £ 3,000 to complete them.” Johnston answered tersely, putting on his best business face. “If I can educate enough people, maybe inclusion into the Cape isn’t that bad of an idea…”

“Someday, but in regard to money, I’ll have to talk to Chamberlain [3] beck in London first. I hope you can start those schools.” Rhodes responded, smiling. Just then, a young man walked into the door looking distressed. “Ah, Smuts! Mr. Johnston, this is Jan Smuts, my new Public Relations chap. Here all the way from Pretoria!” Rhodes said, getting up and having the two men shake hands. “This boy will go far in Cape Town, I am sure of it!” Rhode exclaimed.

“Ah thank you sir. But more importantly…” Smuts interrupted Rhodes. “There’s been an incident.”

“Where? What happened?” Rhodes questioned, turning serious immediately.

“Up in Matabeleland, and it involves your brother and Jameson…”

-------------

1894
Masvingo, Matabeleland [4]

A group of 200 members of the British South African Police were marching toward Masvingo. It was a cool afternoon and many of the men put on longer coats to stay warm. Of the two hundred men, 100 were Cape Towners and the other hundred were Bechuana. The leader of this group was none other than Francis William Rhodes. As Cecil’s brother, he enjoyed his post as the co-chair of the British South Africa Company. He was a military man, unlike his brother, and had served over 20 years in the British Army. Now he was to work to expand British power into the interior of Africa.

“Colonel…” Dr. Jameson came up and addressed Frank Rhodes. Leander Starr Jameson was his second in command on this mission to Matabeleland. “We should rest here. We’ll reach Masvingo soon and we will have to good and ready by then.”

“Good idea, Doctor.” Colonel Rhodes held up his right arm and yelled. “Halt!” The entire company stopped walking and stood at attention. “We will rest here for several hours. Soon we will reach Masvingo and we must be on highest alert once we are there. Fall out.” After he said that, everyone returned to setting up temporary camp, as did Colonel Rhodes.

“Colonel, I’ve been meaning to ask you about your brother.” Jameson said as he sat down with Colonel Rhodes while they were unfurling their tents and taking a drink of water. “About his change…”

“Ah, I was shocked at first but after meeting Mohandas…” Colonel Rhodes responded and then trailed off as he got out a map and looked at it.

“Who is Mohandas?” Jameson asked, intrigued.

“Oh, a few years ago he saved Cecil’s life and they became good friends. He’s the leader of the Indian congress in Natal. He was educated in Britain and it was him that really put this whole idea into Cecil’s head.” Colonel Rhodes replied nonchalantly as he continued looking at his map. “I actually think it’s a good idea. I mean look at all these Bechuana chaps. They were educated at my brother’s new university and are proud to be fighting for queen and country. I would consider them equal to myself.”

“Well, as long as we whites retain the control.” Jameson said as he got up and brushed his hands together. “I don’t want the British Empire to be ruled by a bunch of savages.”

“Cecil doesn’t wish that either. But how do you remove the savagery from the Africans? Education… That is where my brother’s plan is genius.” Colonel Rhodes responded. “It also keeps the whites in power for a long time and the African tribes happy.”

“Sir! Sir!” A Bechuana ran down. “The Matabele are massacring the Shona [5]!”

“What, we told them to apprehend the bastards not kill the all.” Colonel Rhodes shook his head and looked at Jameson who was just as frustrated.

“Sir, they are stealing and burning down the village.” The Bechuana said. “I can show you the devastation if you follow me.” Rhodes and Jameson got up and followed the African around the path a little further, where they received a look at the village of Masvingo. The entire valley was lit by the fires as screams and cries filled the air. The smell of burning flesh was disgusting and upset the stomach of even the hardened Colonel Rhodes.

“Bloody hell… We are going to have to clean up this mess. Get the troops and be prepared for some conflict.” Rhodes turned and returned to the camp where his troops were staying. But as they entered the camp, the highlands above them began to rustle and a gunshot went off.

“Shit…” Jameson said, knowing what had just happened…

--------------

Reviews from moviereview/IF
Interweb 1996
Used with permission…

…The new onscreen hit this summer to hit theatres is ‘200’. At around 2 hours and 30 minutes, this film is quite long but will draw you in and leave you wanting more. It is a great epic film and I encourage everyone to go see it. ‘200’ is set is northern South Africa in the mid 1890’s and is based on one of the most famous last stands in British history, the battle of Masvingo.

The story begins with Colonel Francis Rhodes, played by Daniel Craig and Dr. Leander Starr Jameson, played by Alan Cumming, leaving Cape Town to go settle the Matabele dispute. There is a lot of foreshadowing in this part with Rhodes saying goodbye to his wife, played by Charlize Theron and she saying goodbye and all. There are several scenes of her back in Cape Town, speaking of the men’s plight as well. Ms. Theron overall has a great performance. Meanwhile, King Lobengula of the Matabele; played by Robert Mugabe, an actual Matabele himself, plots to stop European encroachment by any means necessary. Mugabe makes for a great sinister villain.

The next half hour of the movie details the trek northward. There are several fantasized portions in this part, including an interesting fight with a lion. An important plot point is an attack by an African tribesman which is another foreshadowing event. The movie returns to historical events with the men arriving at Masvingo, a tiny Shona village. The movie cuts to Lobengula telling his men to destroy every trace of the Shona and it shows, in gruesome detail, the massacre there. Rhodes and Jameson is shown watching the massacre, seeming unaware he is about to meet the same fate.

The climax of the movie comes when Rhodes and Jameson returned to the camp. Thousands of Matabele warriors appear out of the weeds around them. They raise their guns and begin firing. Rhodes and the other assume fighting and the epic battle ensues with Lobengula looking on laughing. It shows several important points, like the Maxim Machine guns jamming early on, sealing their fate and the sacrifice of Rhodes to not allow his company to be cut off. After thousands of deaths, the British ammunition begins to runs out. As many of the British, who are now unarmed are mercilessly murdered, several Bechuana make a selfless sacrifice to save Jameson. He and the other Africans are the only to escape. All in all, 196 of the 200 die.

The final scenes are the most emotionally powerful. It shows Colonel Rhodes’s wife receiving the news and weeping. It is an amazing performance by Charlize Theron. But the most rousing part of the ending was the speech made to the Cape House of Assembly by Cecil Rhodes, played by Sean Connery. It was the actual speech made in 1894. He spoke of his brother and how they must unite under the crown, both white and black; English and African, to fight this horrible injustice. My eyes were moist at the ending and several members of the audience saw it fit to sing ‘God Save The Queen’ during the credits. How fitting…
 
Once again, bloody awesome.

Keep it up.

You still going to have Catherine Radziwill after the poor man?
 
Last edited:
A TL off to a great start. Rhodes as an anti-racist? Yikes! :eek: :D

Rhodes is better thought of in this TL as a civic nationalist, and still has a desire of promoting "Anglo-Saxon values." He may oppose racism ITTL, but he still believes in British cultural superiority if I'm not mistaken.
 
shoot forgot to add footnotes.

[1] – Modern-day Malawi

[2] – In OTL, Rhodes and Jameson were quite cold to each other. This was in large part due to Rhodes’s racist policies. In this TL, they get along much better.

[3] – Joseph Chamberlain, the Colonial Secretary

[4] – Modern-day Zimbabwe

[5] – This happened in OTL, but this brigade wasn’t present
 
Rhodes is better thought of in this TL as a civic nationalist, and still has a desire of promoting "Anglo-Saxon values." He may oppose racism ITTL, but he still believes in British cultural superiority if I'm not mistaken.

Very good. I couldn't have said it better myself.

A TL off to a great start. Rhodes as an anti-racist? Yikes! :eek: :D

Refer to Wendell, he's no longer a racist, but he isn't embracing tribal values either.

Probably because he's one.

Very true.

I agree on both counts.

Additionally, I like the format being used.

Thank you, and for the format, I totally stole portions from Decades of Darkness. Sorry Jared, but imitation is the highest form of flattery.

I liked the bit about '200'.

You know this requires you to take the TL up to the present day! :p

Thank you. Everyone go see '300', its the coolest movie I've seen in a while. And I plan on bringing this timeline up to the present-day.

Once again, bloody awesome.

Keep it up.

You still going to have Catherine Radziwill after the poor man?

Thank you very much.

I would like to spare him of that, but you'll have to wait and see.

Very good! :cool:

Thank you very much.
 
Top