This chronology of developments since Rhodesia's unilateral declaration of independence does not attempt to be all-inclusive. Rather the emphasis has been placed on an outline of major event which have played a part in Rhodesia's internal political and economic developments.

U.S. policy-makers once saw Zimbabwe as a source of political and economic stability in southern Africa, but with the failure of Zimbabwe’s economic reform program and mounting unrest in the 1990s, U.S. assistance levels fell sharply. Aid now focuses on programs to strengthen democracy, raise living standards among the poor, and fight the AIDS epidemic. In 2000, the United States strongly criticized pre-election violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe. In June 2001, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs warned that the United States and Zimbabwe could not have normal relations until the violence and intimidation end and the rule of law is restored.

This report discusses Rhodesia's declaration of independence from Britain in 1969 and ensuing negotiations between Britain and Rhodesia to bring about a formal recognition of Rhodesian independence by Britain and to ensure the rights of the majority black population in the new government of Rhodesia.