World-history / Colonialism in Africa / Germany in Scramble for Africa
Germany in Scramble for Africa
Germany's entry into the Scramble for Africa followed the unification of Germany in 1870. Over a short period, from 1882 to 1884, Germany successfully established colonies in various regions of the continent:
- Colonization Efforts (1882-1884): During this period, Germany was able to establish colonies in the following regions:
- South West Africa: This territory, now known as Namibia, was one of Germany's early African acquisitions.
- Cameroons: Located in Equatorial Africa, the Cameroons became a German colony during this period.
- Togoland: Another territory in Equatorial Africa, Togoland, also came under German control.
- End of German Colonial Empire (After World War I): After the conclusion of World War I, the German colonial empire came to an end. As part of the post-war settlement, Germany's colonial possessions were redistributed among the Allied Powers.
- League of Nations Mandates: The former German colonies were designated as "mandates" by the League of Nations. Mandates were territories entrusted to advanced nations with the goal of preparing them for self-governance and independence at a later date.
- Example: German South West Africa Mandate: A specific example of this process was German South West Africa (present-day Namibia), which was assigned as a mandate to South Africa. This meant that South Africa was responsible for overseeing the development and transition of the territory towards eventual independence.
Germany's involvement in the Scramble for Africa was relatively brief compared to some other colonial powers. The aftermath of World War I marked the conclusion of Germany's colonial ventures in Africa, with its territories being redistributed and placed under the administration of other nations as mandates.
