Leander Starr Jameson was a British colonial statesman and administrator who played a significant role in the history of southern Africa. He is best known for leading the failed Jameson Raid in 1895, an unauthorized attack on the South African Republic, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Second Boer War. Jameson was also involved in the establishment of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and served as its administrator. He was a controversial figure, admired by some for his leadership and vision, but criticized by others for his aggressive and controversial actions in pursuit of British imperial interests in Africa.