Cecil Rhodes

Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902) was a British businessman, politician, and imperialist known for his role in southern Africa during the late 19th century. He founded the De Beers diamond company, which dominated the diamond industry, and was a key figure in British expansion in Africa. Rhodes advocated for British imperialism, believing it brought civilization to other cultures. His legacy is complex; while he contributed to economic development in the region, he also played a role in colonial exploitation and racial segregation, leading to mixed perceptions of his impact on history. Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe and Zambia, is named after him.