Stalwart Lion Redux: The Survival of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

Sorry for my absence! I've been in a rough RL patch for a while. Nevertheless, I've returned with a stronger resolve and a dedication to ending, refurbishing, and debuting my works as needed. Thanks for your patience, and be sure that the Stalwart Lion will be roaring again within a day or so.

-Askelion
Hope everything is ok, Askelion.
 
Hope everything is ok, Askelion.


Things are getting better now, thanks. I've been having a tougher time with my brother's loss than I thought I would, but I'm getting back in the saddle now. Thanks again for your concern.
The next update comes tomorrow!
 
Updated Timeline From the Beginning


  • [*]February 4, 1961:
    The United Kingdom responds the growing tension in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland between the various polities within the Federation by working to remedy the situation via the Discussion for the Preservation of Union, brainchild of Prime Minister Rab Butler, who seeks to improve upon the decolonization strategy of his predecessor Harold Macmillan*. The Discussion is organized primarily by the Rightist Conservatives in Parliament, including the Scottish Unionist Party and Conservative Monday Club, all of whom agree that maintaining a strong influence in Africa is necessary to British success in the region. After the recent secession of the Republic of South Africa, the Butler government knows that it will be unable to retain direct UK control over the British territories in Africa, and hopes to at least perform damage control by consolidating the loyalty of the soon-to-be independent states. Chief among these remaining territories is the wealthy and prestigious Federation.
    [*]February 4, 1961:
    The Portuguese Colonial War begins with a Communist/Nationalist uprising in the Zona Sublevada do Norte (Rebel Zone of the North) of Angola. NATO and the Warsaw Pact call meetings to discuss their respective responses.
    [*]February 5, 1961-May 13, 1961:
    The Discussion continues for months, with the Southern Rhodesian elite being extremely hesitant to give up power. In the end, however, the British gain South Rhodesia’s cooperation by aligning the various factions via their common disdain for communists in the region, elaborating that a divided Rhodesia will be highly vulnerable and extremely unprepared to engage the nationalist movements arising in the area. The appeal is successful, and the Federation plans a process of arduous reformation. The renovated state is to be a member of the British Commonwealth, with a Parliamentary system divided into districts seen as fair to the peoples within them and voted upon as such by referendum. The Discussions ultimately result on a federal system with both a Parliamentary Prime Minister and a directly elected presidency which rotates between three presidents, one in each territory.
    [*]May 14, 1961-December 8, 1961:
    The newly reformed Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, now dubbed the Sovereign Dominion of Rhodesia, works to consolidate power and legitimacy. The Dominion continues to operate under the leadership of the current Federation government, which acts as a provisional group until the first Dominion elections can be held. During the consolidation, Britain and the US funnel large amounts of arms and war vehicles to Rhodesia, fearing the growing communist aggression in the region, particularly in Portuguese Africa.
    [*]December 10, 1961:
    The first elections are held in the Dominion, with Reverend David Kaunda, Hastings Banda, and Winston Field elected as the Presidents of Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, and Southern Rhodesia respectively. Roy Welensky is elected Prime Minister of Rhodesia, and the British Parliament formally declares the Dominion of Rhodesia to be independent, and Queen Elizabeth II accepts the title of Queen of Rhodesia.
    [*]December 11, 1961:
    The Sovereign Dominion National Football Team is founded in Bulaweyo. The team is the first to feature black Africans in Rhodesian history.
    [*]December 15, 1961:
    US President John F. Kennedy orders Portuguese Leader Antonio Salazar to abandon his overseas colonies. Salazar bluntly refuses, and the Portuguese Colonial War continues. JFK funnels extra money into the US-supported rebel groups Abrilada and UPA (in Europe and Africa, respectively).
    [*]December 20, 1961-February 3, 1962:
    The SDR, terrified of the war emerging in Angola and Mozambique, begins extensive military reforms and propaganda efforts. The Royal Dominion Police, Rhodesian Air Force, Rhodesian Armored Cavalry Divisions, and the Rhodesian Line Infantry are opened to black participation, while the Royal Rhodesian Guard, Rhodesian Light Infantry, and Rhodesian African Rifles remain segregated. Three new forces are created, namely the Dominion Irregular Warfare Regiment (named the 'Selous Scouts' after British explorer Frederick Selous), the Special Activities & Intervention Directorate (SAID) of the Army Intelligence Corps, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Royal Rhodesian Dragoon Guards Regiments (equipped with Jeeps and the Crusader Series of Armored Vehicles). Planning begins for the Royal Rhodesian Armored Corps (all three open to both black and white Africans). As these reforms proceed, President Field convinces the hesitant Prime Minister Welensky that Rhodesia will suffer greatly if it does not take urgent strides towards integrating the black population of the Dominion. He is quoted as saying to the PM that "We must act quickly, Minister. If we do not pursue action in the present, we might as well replace our citizens with timebombs. At least we'd know when the bombs would go off." Under Field's direction, the Army Intelligence Corps begins to pursue a propaganda campaign encouraging the black population to pursue education and work in the secondary and tertiary sectors, while encouraging all citizens to 'establish an atmosphere of civil service' throughout the country.
    [*]February 11, 1962:
    The Rhodesian Armored Corps is founded, consisting of five regiments. They are equipped with a mix of Crusader MkII, M60 Patton, Centurion, and locally-produced Chipembere (Rhinocerous in Shona) tanks. While the Patton, Crusader, and Centurion are British and American in origin, the Chipembere (dubbed the "Chippie" or "Rhino" by the troops) is in actuality a reverse-engineered variant of the Soviet T-55.
    [*]February 27, 1962:
    President Ngo Dinh Diem is assassinated by two renegade Vietnamese Air Force pilots by a bomb that crashed through the ceiling to his study. The bomb physically landed on the President before detonating, and many would go on to say that his death was clearly divine providence.(*1) The affair was covered up as an accidental discharge of munitions, with the AFVN hoping to deflect any claims of assassination. The US expresses sadness to the people of Vietnam, but both the RVN and US are secretly relieved that Diem is dead. Duong Van Minh is appointed president for the duration of the war, and is far less authoritarian than his predecessor. Nguyen Cao Ky is elected as Prime Minister in an emergency purging of the Diem government.
    [*]March 12-23, 1962:
    After witnessing the highly successful way in which Portuguese troops have been utilizing helicopter-borne infantry in Angola and Mozambique, the RLI are equipped with Alouette MkIII helicopters. The RLI soon grows to love the machines and their ability to rapidly traverse the mostly empty Rhodesian wilderness
    [*]May 5, 1962:
    One Robert Gabriel Mugabe is hit by a truck while walking through the streets of Salisbury. The man barely survives the accident and is interned in a Salisbury hospital for eight months pursuing rehabilitation and recovery. After his recovery, the devout Roman Catholic Mugabe joins the Order of Friors Minor, believing that his survival was an act of divine providence meant to lead him along a more humble path.
    [*]May 30, 1962:
    The 1962 FIFA World Cup begins in Chile. The SDR qualifies as the African representative team after defeating Morrocco 2-1. The Dominion goes on to compete against Spain during the Intercotninental Play-offs. The SDR wins a close victory after winning the first game 1-0 and the second 3-2. Rhodesia joins Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Czechoslovakia, England, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Uruguay, the USSR, West Germany, and Yugoslavia in the Finals, making its first appearence in the actual World Cup Championship.
    [*]May 31, 1962:
    Rhodesia defeats Czechoslovakia 1-0 in its first World Cup match.
    [*]June 3, 1962:
    Rhodesia shocks the world by besting Mexico 2-1 in its second World Cup match.
    [*]June 5, 1962:
    France capitulates to the FLN in Algeria after a bloody and miserable struggle. Algeria is granted independence and a guaruntee that French troops will abdicate by month's end.
    [*]June 6, 1962:
    Rhodesia barely manages to tie Brazil 2-2, surviving to enter the knockout round alongside the USSR, Chile, Brazil, England, West Germany, Hungary, and Yugoslavia.
    [*]June 7-30, 1962:
    French troops slowly abandon Algeria, much to the chagrin of the various Colonial and Post-Colonial states in Africa. The last French troops-the French Foreign Legion-leaves for France on the 30th, leaving behind a humble and tearful sense of betrayal and defeat. Rhodesia advances into the World Cup Final after defeating Hungary (2-0) and Yugoslavia (3-1). The SDR loses the Final to Brazil 4-1, earning its place as runner-up.
    [*]July 1, 1962:
    Rwanda and Burundi gain independence from Belgium.
    [*]July 2, 1962:
    France formally recognizes Algerian Independence and recognize it as a sovereign state. The US, USSR, and British Commonwealth follow suit reluctantly.
    [*]July 10, 1962:
    AT&T launches Telstar-the first civillian communications satellite in history.
    [*]July 15, 1962:
    The Dominion completes its first nuclear bomb. The SDR is given permission to continue to produce more nuclear weapons in preparation for any potential situation that might warrant nuclear action.
    [*]July 23, 1962:
    Telstar relays the first live trans-Atlantic television signal.
    [*]July 31, 1962:
    Ahmed Ben Bella is elected President of Algeria.
    [*]August 5 & 6, 1962:
    Nelson Mandela is arrested by the South African Government for charges of Rebellion. Jamaica gains its Independence.
    [*]August 17, 1962:
    18-year-old Peter Fechter is wounded by East German border guards while attempting to cross into West Germany. He will go on to make a full recovery.
    [*]August 22, 1962:
    French President Charles De Gaulle is assassinated. Georges Pompidou becomes President of France.
    [*]August 27, 1962:
    The US launches the Mariner II Space Probe.
    [*]September 21, 1962:
    A minor border conflict results in the beginning of the Sino-Indian War.
    [*]September 29, 1962:
    The Allouette 1 Satellite is launched by Canada, becoming the first successful sattellite launch outside of the US and USSR.
    [*]October 5, 1962:
    The French National Asssembly refuses to sanction a law by which the President of France would be popularly elected. President Pompidou resigns in outrage, and Alain Pher becomes the French President.
    [*]October 8, 1962:
    Algeria is admitted into the United Nations.
    [*]October 9, 1962:
    Uganda becomes an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Prime Minister
    [*]October 11, 1962:
    The Second Vatican Council is held in Rome.
    [*]October 14-28, 1962:
    The US, NATO, USSR, and Cuba participate in the Cuban Missile Crisis. The conflict is (barely) resolved peacefully.
    [*]November 6, 1962:
    The UN condemns South Africa's Apartheid regime, and calls for all member states to cease relations with the Republic of South Africa. The SDR and Portugal continue to covertly support the RSA.
    [*]November 7, 1962:
    Richard M. Nixon wins the race for California Governor. He gives an infamous rallying speech where he declared that Governorship was "Just the beginning!" and that "Voters can look forward to seeing Dick Nixon around for a good long time!"
    [*]November 20, 1962:
    The US ends its quarantine of the Caribbean, officially ending the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rhodesian PM Roy Welensky accidentally speaks many racial slurs into a microphone that he believed was turned off. He continued with a tirade about 'Never giving those savages any sort or influence'. There are widespread calls for his resignation, but the resilient Welensky refuses.
    [*]December 1, 1962:
    US Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield is captured by enemy forces while visiting troops in Vietnam. This occured after the Senator asked to "See the real Vietnam". His capture reinvigorates pro-war sentiment in the US.
    [*]December 9, 1962:
    Tanzania gains independence within the British Commonwealth.
    [*]December 10, 1962:
    Lawrence of Arabia premiers in London, New York City, and Salisbury. With British and American pressure,the Rhodesian Parliament deposes Prime Minister Welenksy with a vote of no confidence. President Kaunda of Northern Rhodesia rotates into position as President of the Dominion.
    [*]December 30, 1962:
    Deposed Congolese President Moise Tshombe moves into exile in Salisbury.
    [*]January 15, 1963:
    Following up on former President Field's efforts, President Kaunda manages to pass a law through Parliament that grants black Rhodesians suffrage. There is much rejoicing throughout the country, save for isolated protests in Southern Rhodesia.
    [*]February 5, 1963:
    Elections are held for the post of Dominion Prime Minister. President Winston Field wins by a landslide, owing mainly to his policy of promoting Black suffrage. He is replaced as President of Southern Rhodesia by his lieutenant Ian Smith, who served under him as the Governor-General of Southern Rhodesia.
    [*]February 23, 1963:
    Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole is accepted as a Professor of Political Science at the Unitversity of Bulaweyo.
    [*]March 13, 1963:
    Mike Mansfield is rescued from a North Vietnamese prison camp by soldiers from the United States and the Republic of Viet Nam. Senator Mansfield would go on to state his support for 'the great and worthy soldiers of America and Vietnam.
    [*]March 16, 1963:
    After extensive testing, the Rhodesian Army officially adopts the Armalite AR-18 rifle as standard issue. The L1A1 remains in service in an auxiliary role, and the Pattern 61 (a domestically produced AK-47 copy chambered for 7.62 NATO cartridge) remains the weapon of choice for special operations units and reserve forces.
    [*]March 24, 1963:
    The Republic of Viet Nam, led by the outstanding duo of President Minh and Prime Minister Ky, successfully reestablishes a stable government in the state after years of unrest. Ky marks his domestic policy with an air of tolerance and measured response, having learned much from the fall of the Diem regime. President Minh, on the other hand, rarely concerns himself with politics, and instead drives the ARVN forward in an effort to crush the Viet Cong insurgency.
    [*]March 25-May 30, 1963:
    To the world's surprise, the battle strategies of President Minh send the Viet Cong reeling after several vital commanders are killed in an airstrike. In response, the US asks for a greater contribution from its Commonwealth allies, believing that a serious push by the military could end the war.. The SDR answers this call with elements of the SAS, SAID, RLI, and Rhodesian Line Infantry. The total Rhodesian Expeditionary Force amounts to 10,000 troops, the largest such deployment of Central African troops since World War I and II. Australia and Canada commit extra troops as well, totalling around 30,000 men. Concurrently President Minh covertly pursues to manipulate divisions in North Vietnam between the radical and moderate elements in that country. This culminates in his convincing of his brother Nhut (a General in the NVA) to rebel against North Vietnam in exchange for allowing socialist elements into the Republic. General Nhut goes on to quietly raise a large force, consisting of both his own soldiers and disgruntled civillians.
    [*]June 3-August 21, 1963:
    Operation Sovereign begins, consisting of a massive assault on North Vietnam by ARVN and NATO forces. It was at this time that President Minh ordered the Silent Offensive-the moderate revolution in the north, led by his brother Nhut. It took little time for the north to collapse under the weight of the offensive, and the state was officially reunited under the treaty of Hong Kong on the 30th of July. Resistance to the new regime did, however, continue until August 21st, when Ho Chi Minh was captured by Republican troops.
    [*]September 1, 1963:
    The United Republic of Vietnam is founded, with Nhut's Socialist Party of Vietnam seizing power in the legislature. The URVN is recognized by all of the P5 states excluding the USSR.
    [*]September 17, 1963:
    The United Dominion of Malaya is formed from the union of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak.
    [*]September 24, 1963:
    The United States signs the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, allowing the treaty to take effect.
    [*]October 1, 1963:
    The Nigerian 1st Republic is founded. The State is almost immediate in its signing of a defense pact with the SDR and UK.
    [*]October 4, 1963:
    Hurricane Flora makes landfall in southeastern Florida, killing around 7,000 people.
    [*]October 10, 1963:
    The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty takes effect, forbidding the detonation of nuclear weapons above ground. Prime Minister Field is shot while attending a screening of the James Bond film From Russia With Love. The PM is rushed to the hospital and is stabilized.
    [*]October 14, 1963:
    A rebellion erupts in South Yemen against British rule. The Selous Scouts and Rhodesian SAS offer their services to the crown, and are given the right to deploy against the rebels in Yemen by British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.
    [*]October 17, 1963:
    Rhodesian Prime Minister Field is officially reported safe, and the world is assured that he will make a full recovery soon.
    [*]October 16-November 18, 1963:
    British forces begin deploying to South Yemen. Among the troops are elements of the Selous Scouts as well as the Rhodesian and Australian SAS.
    [*]November 21, 1963:
    Governor John Connelly of Texas is assassinated while parading through Dallas with US President John F. Kennedy. The president is injured severely, but is stabilized at a local hospital.
    [*]November 23, 1963:
    The television series Doctor Who debutes on the BBC and TVR (TeleVision Rhodesia).
    [*]November 29, 1963:
    Air Rhodesia flight 832, a DC-8 carrying 120 people, crashes mysteriously near Durban, South Africa.
    [*]December 5, 1963:
    West Germany decides against testing several rockets near Cuxhaven with pressure from US president JFK, who believes that the act will be percieved as hostile by the USSR.
    [*]December 10, 1963:
    Chuck Yeager falls 21 miles to his death after his emergency parachute fails to deploy after ejecting from his out-of-control aircraft.
    [*]December 12, 1963:
    Kenya is granted independence by the UK.
    [*]December 17, 1963:
    Zanzibar is granted independence by the UK.
    [*]January 8, 1964:
    US President JFK gives his State of the Union address. During the speech, the president calls for renewed efforts to found a peaceful relationship with the USSR and praises Rhodesia for 'Proving that the descendents of both oppressors and the oppressed can work and live peacefully in Africa'. Among his other ponts are a call for the American people to unite against civil strife and poverty in the Union, and a condemnation of South African Apartheid policies.
    [*]January 17, 1964:
    Former astronaut John Glenn announces that he will run for the Democratic nomination for US president.
    [*]January 23, 1964:
    The 24th Amendment to the US Constiution, banning poll taxes, is officially ratified.
    [*]January 24, 1964:
    French President Pompadou resigns due to health reasons. Elections are scheduled to take place in the near future.
    [*]January 27, 1964:
    Senator Margaret Chase Smith enters the bid for the Republican candidacy for US President.
    [*]February 5, 1964:
    India, after recieving political heat for skirmishing with China and hesitant to further anger the international community, grants Kashmir its independence after people in the province vote for that outcome in plebiscite.
 
I'm not sure how likely all the events described are, but it's jolly good fun, so I'm okay with it. One thing is that John Glenn was really not very likely to run for President in 1964 if Kennedy survived, both because he had no political experience (usually a big barrier to electoral success) and because he was apparently a friend of the Kennedys.
 
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