Ian Smith

The Right Honourable Ian Douglas Smith (14 July 1930 — 20 July 1992) was a Rhodesian politician and military officer that served as the first President of Rhodesia.
== Early life ==
Ian Smith was born in Salisbury, Federation of Rhodesia on 14 July 1930 to Sean and Lexie Smith. He went to Rhodes Private School and he would graduate as the Salutatorian. In 1948 he went to the Royal Salisbury Military Academy and got his Bachelor's in Political Science and would gain a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Federal Army.
== Military career ==
Smith joined in 1948 as an Officer Cadet and in 1952 would gain his commission as a Second Lieutenant. During his early service, he was known as a lacklustre soldier. He was constantly drunk and partying, one night he brought a girl back to the officer barracks and was nearly discharged, but his father who was Governor General from 1947–1953, made sure he stayed in. After this warning Smith whipped himself into shape and would go on to be the Major of 8th Battalion, Royal Rhodesia Regiment. During his military service, he learned of the independence movement and decided to become a radical secessionist, even to the point of a coup. A coup in which he did on 21 March 1955. 
== Political career ==
=== Secession ===
=== Presidency (1955–1975) ===
After Smith and his allies finally had full control of Rhodesia, he had an official swearing in ceremony at Birchington Palace. 
Category:Coryia People
Category:Military Person
Category:Person of Interest
Category:Former Rhodesian President