Cecil Rhodes and the Rhodes Scholarship: Understanding the History

Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman and politician who played a significant role in shaping the history of South Africa. He was instrumental in the establishment of the British South Africa Company, which led to the colonization of Southern Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe.

Rhodes was a strong believer in the idea of a "Greater Britain", which envisioned a vast empire that would stretch from the Cape of Good Hope to the Nile River. This vision was deeply rooted in his own experiences as a settler in South Africa.

The legacy of Cecil Rhodes is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative aspects. While he is remembered for his philanthropy and his contributions to the development of South Africa, he is also criticized for his role in the colonization and exploitation of African territories.

Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman and politician who was instrumental in the colonization of Africa. He was a key figure in the Scramble for Africa, a period of intense European colonization of the continent in the late 19th century.

Rhodes was a strong supporter of the idea of white supremacy, believing that the British were superior to other races. He was a member of the British aristocracy and held a seat in the House of Commons.

Rhodes' views on race were shaped by his experiences in Africa, where he witnessed firsthand the brutal treatment of native populations by European colonizers. He believed that the British had a duty to spread their "civilization" to other parts of the world.

The British South Africa Company, which Rhodes founded, was involved in the displacement and exploitation of native populations in Southern Africa. The company's actions were often brutal and led to the deaths of thousands of people.

Rhodes' legacy is still felt today, with many universities and institutions around the world bearing his name. However, his racist views and actions have been widely criticized, and many are now reevaluating his legacy.

Cecil Rhodes was a visionary who established the Rhodes Scholarship through his Will in 1902. He wanted to identify young leaders from around the world who would form bonds of mutual understanding and fellowship for the betterment of mankind.

The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programme in the world, enabling outstanding young people to undertake full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. The Scholarship covers Oxford University course fees and provides an annual stipend of £19,092 per annum (£1,591 per month).

The Scholarship's reputation rests not on Cecil Rhodes' life, but on the contributions made by Rhodes Scholars, who embody qualities such as intellectual distinction, concern for others, energy to lead, and a focus on public service.

The Rhodes Project is a UK-based charity and research initiative founded in 2004 to study the lives and career trajectories of female Rhodes Scholars. The project provides valuable insights into the experiences of these women, shedding light on the challenges they face and the opportunities they seize.

The project's focus on female Rhodes Scholars is particularly noteworthy, given the historical context of the Rhodes Scholarship itself.

The Rhodes Scholarship covers Oxford University course fees, as well as providing an annual stipend of £19,092 per annum (£1,591 per month) for living expenses. However, this is not sufficient to cover partners or dependents.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be judged on the four criteria set forth in Cecil Rhodes' last will: literary and scholastic achievement, energy to use one's talents to the full, truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness, and fellowship, and moral force of character and instincts to lead.

The selection process involves submitting evidence of qualifications, including academic transcripts, letters of reference, and an essay explaining the applicant's reasons for applying and proposed course of study. Candidates are then short-listed for an interview with a selection committee.

To be selected, candidates must also submit two samples of written work to the desired department of study, and be accepted by an academic department and an Oxford college. After being selected for a scholarship, one is not assured a place at Oxford, but must also meet these requirements.

The Rhodes Scholarship provides a settling in allowance to Scholars on arrival in Oxford, and assistance to cover the fee for visa renewal and further application for the International Health Surcharge (IHS) for those who transition to a second course of study.

The scholarship also covers the fee required to apply to study at the University of Oxford, as well as two economy class flights - to and from the UK - for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford.

The scholarship is available for up to three years of fees and stipend, depending on course choice, such as a DPhil (PhD) at Oxford.

Here are the four criteria used to select Rhodes Scholars:

Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman, politician, and colonialist who played a significant role in shaping the history of Southern Africa.

He was born on July 5, 1853, in Hertfordshire, England, and later moved to South Africa where he made his fortune in the diamond mining industry.

Rhodes was a strong advocate for British imperialism and was instrumental in the creation of the Cape Colony and the expansion of British influence in Southern Africa.

The Rhodes Scholars, a group of students who are awarded scholarships to study at Oxford University, were named after him in recognition of his legacy.

Rhodes' life and work have been extensively documented by the Rhodes Scholars and others, illustrating the diversity of historical interpretations about his life and legacy.

He died on March 26, 1902, leaving behind a complex and often contentious legacy that continues to be debated by historians and scholars today.

Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman and politician who played a significant role in the history of South Africa. He was born in 1853 in Hertfordshire, England.

As a young man, Rhodes was fascinated by the idea of creating a vast British Empire. He attended Oxford University, where he became involved in the development of the university's Rhodes Scholarship program.

Rhodes was a key figure in the formation of the De Beers mining company, which dominated the diamond industry in South Africa. He served as the company's chairman and played a crucial role in shaping the country's economy.

Rhodes was also a member of the British Parliament and served as the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. He was instrumental in the creation of the country's first constitution.

Rhodes' vision for the British Empire was to create a vast and unified territory that would stretch across Africa and beyond. He believed that this would be achieved through the spread of British culture and the establishment of British colonies.

Rhodes was a strong advocate for the concept of "expansionism", which held that a country's power and influence could be expanded through the acquisition of new territories.