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Otto Von Bismarck
Otto von Bismarck was Germany's leaader for Imperialism. In 1862 He became prime minister of Prussia, his home country. Once all of the independent kingdoms of Germany became one, Germany established itself as the major power of continental Europe during the first Berlin Conference held in 1884. -
Raw Materials
The announcement of the establishment of the German protectorate states in German East Africa, Cameroon, Togoland, and the South Pacific occured in 1884 and 1885. These colonies became an important source for Germany's economy. It provided Germany with palm oil, cotton, coffee, cocoa, and rubber, -
The German East Africa Company
Karl Peters, who was a private German adventurer, on the eastern coast of Africa signed treaties with the local rulers located there. By signing treaties, he emphasized Germany's existence in the eastern coast region. The German East Africa Company was an organization created in 1885 to manage Germany's colonial conquest. -
Germany Imperializes Rwanda
Germany first imperialized Rwanda in 1890 with a goal of assimilation. Germany controlled Rwanda through direct ontrol and they wanted Ruandans to eventually adopt the culture and traditions of Germany. Rwanda accepted German rule without resistance and the Tutsi tribe still ruled the country. Germany supplied Rwanda with almost no rule over the problems that the country had, and did not establish any economic development. -
The Maji-Maji Rebellion
The Maji-Maji Rebellion was a two year war based on the belief that if a magic water known as "Maji Maji" was sprinkled on the Germans' bodies, that it would turn their bullets into water. Over twenty different ethnic groups came together to fight for their freedom against the Germans and believed that their war had been destined by God, and their ancestors would return to life and assist in their fight. Based on this war, the people of Rwanda put their faith into spiritual defense. -
Ruanda-Urundi Joins the UN Trusteeship
In 1923, the League of Nations governed Ruanda-Urundi using indirect rule through Tutsi kings. Ruanda-Urundi became part of the United Nations International Trusteeship System under Belgian command in order to promote the political, economic, and social advancement of the protectorate. -
Rwandan Civil War
The Ruandan Civil War was a war fought between the Hutu tribe and the Tutsi tribe. This war was a result of Germany's defeat in World War II because in 1959, Belgian executives allowed for self-government to Ruanda-Urundi. This allowance sparked a revolt of the Hutu against the Tutsi. -
Rwandan Civil War (continued)
Even though the Hutu were the majority tribe, they were long enslaved by the Tutsi who were only a small percent of the population. The Hutu embarked on a war against their allies, the Twa, as well as the Tutsi when they found out the Tutsi began to conquer the political power Belgium provided only the Tutsis with. Scientists did research and came to the conclusion that the Tutsis were "superior" to the Hutus because of their lighter skin and larger skulls. -
Rwanda's Official Independence
The Hutu's victory lead to the UN-proposed public voting, in which the majority of the Ruandans voted to get rid of the Tutsi king and replace him with a republic. On July 1, 1962, Rwanda officially became independent. After Rwanda's independence certified, hundreds of thousands Tutsis became banished. Several of the Tutsi's would seize their prior country in the year 1963. These invasions along with other Tutsi-Hutu tensions became known as the ground reason for the tragic Rwandan Genocide. -
Rwandan Genocide (continued)
The assassination of the two presidents was the last straw and was the basis for the start of the massacre. -
Rwandan Genocide
Rwanda's 100 Days of Genocide This genocide is considered one of the most severe monstrosities in the 20th century. 800,000 to 1 million people, mostly belonging to the Tutsi tribe, were massacred in only 100 days. The genocide began when a mysterious plane crash occured on April 6, 1994, carrying President Habyariman (a Hutu) and his Burundian equivalent.
