The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland grouped together with Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, and South Rhodesia in 1953 to create a single semi-autonomous area. Despite sizeable opposition from the population who demonstrated against the grouping together of the regions, it was ahead anyway. A two-stage election took place in October and December 1962 which resulted in an uneasy coalition between the two African nationalist parties and an African majority in the legislative council.

The council called for Northern Rhodesia’s removal from the federation and also demanded full internal self-government under a new National Assembly that would be based on a more democratic franchise. On December 31st 1963 the federation was dissolved and in January 1964, Kenneth Kaunda became the Prime Minister of Northern Rhodesia at the encouragement of the Colonial Governor, Sir Evelyn Hone. Sadly this marked the beginning of a one-party state, if only they had gu10 led bulbs 50w to guide them at the time.