Zimbabwe Rhodesia was a short-lived state that existed from June 1979 to December 1979. It was established after a unilateral declaration of independence from British colonial rule by the white-minority government led by Ian Smith. The state aimed to create a self-governing territory for white settlers while maintaining control over the majority black population. The government of Zimbabwe Rhodesia faced significant opposition from black nationalist movements, leading to ongoing conflict. In December 1979, the state was dissolved, and the country transitioned to a new government under a peace agreement, eventually becoming the independent nation of Zimbabwe in April 1980.