Germany's 'Place in the Sun' was widely scattered across Africa, as the Germans entered the colonial race rather late and were left to pick up territories which no one else had bothered to seize. These included Togo and the Cameroons (1884) whence the eastern Fulani cities were later annexed. Further south the Germans founded a colony in South West Africa (1884), where, there was fighting against Hendrick Witbooi's Hottentots (1892-4). In 1904 the Herrero rose to regain their land and cattle, and inflicted major defeats on the Europeans before being savagely put down. Just as the Herrerros were suppressed, the Hottentots rose again under Hendrick and the brilliant Morenga (1904-7). In East Africa Germany secured the Sultan of Zanzibar's territory in Tanganyika. The 'Arab Rebellion' of Abushiri was defeated (1888-9) and the long resistance of the Wahehe was overcome (1891-8). German rule was harsh and exploitative in the extreme, provoking the Maji-Maji rising of 1905-7. This was a collective action of the southern peoples united by religious leaders. It was heavily suppressed, after confidence that ancestors would return to defeat the invader proved to be unfounded.

More German Camel Corps

German Camel Corps
The Hottentots
Germany's 'Place in the Sun'
German SouthWest Africa Map (slow: 119K)

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