The Zimbabwe War of Liberation, also known as the Second Chimurenga, took place from 1964 to 1979. It was a conflict between the white-minority government of Rhodesia, led by Ian Smith, and various nationalist groups seeking independence for the black majority. The main groups involved were the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), which fought against colonial rule and racial discrimination. The war resulted in significant loss of life and widespread suffering. It ended with the signing of the Lancaster House Agreement in 1979, leading to recognized independence for Zimbabwe in 1980. The first prime minister of the newly independent nation was Robert Mugabe, who had been a prominent leader during the liberation struggle.