History
Pre-19th Century:
There are many remnants that have been found in Zimbabwe which represent the early civilizations that once occupied the area that is now Zimbabwe. One of the greater remnants being the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. These are thought to have been built by local tribes between the 9th and 13th centuries BC.
Other artifacts found include pebble tools that belonged in the Stone Age. As the 16th century began, European explorers found Zimbabwe. The Portuguese were the first European country to attempt colonization.
1800-1900
Before explorers from Europe entered Zimbabwe, the Ndebele moved North out of South Africa and into Zimbabwe. Just a couple short decades later, in the early 1830s, European explorers entered Zimbabwe. They came as hunters, traders, and missionaries. But it wasn't until 1889 that the British South Africa Company got permission from Britain to colonize Zimbabwe. Surprisingly, the first pioneers didn't actually come from England, but from South Africa and they first settled what is now known as Harare. The Ndebele people were unhappy about this, and fought back, but were easily defeated by the guns of the British South Africa Police. The Ndebele and Shona tribes continued to revolt until their uprisings were crushed. They're leader was killed and most land was redistributed to European settlers.
Before explorers from Europe entered Zimbabwe, the Ndebele moved North out of South Africa and into Zimbabwe. Just a couple short decades later, in the early 1830s, European explorers entered Zimbabwe. They came as hunters, traders, and missionaries. But it wasn't until 1889 that the British South Africa Company got permission from Britain to colonize Zimbabwe. Surprisingly, the first pioneers didn't actually come from England, but from South Africa and they first settled what is now known as Harare. The Ndebele people were unhappy about this, and fought back, but were easily defeated by the guns of the British South Africa Police. The Ndebele and Shona tribes continued to revolt until their uprisings were crushed. They're leader was killed and most land was redistributed to European settlers.
1900-present
During the early 1900s, citizens of Zimbabwe fought for civil liberties and fought against the corruption of government. Most of Zimbabwe's history from during the 1900's was a long battle for civil rights and independence from a too powerful government. In 1980, Zimbabwe finally gained its independence.Trade unions were forbidden to protest against the government in 1992. Many strikes also took place during this time period, the worse being in 1997. This massive strike greatly hurt Zimbabwe's economy.
The government had massive control over the economy from 1980 to 1990. The country's deficit also increased as government spending increased. This was the worst economic time for Zimbabwe. Since then, Zimbabwe eliminated the Zimbabwean dollar. Different areas of Zimbabwe use different currencies. Some areas use the euro, the british pound, or other currencies from different countries.
