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Berlin Conference. Germany was given control over Rwandan territory.
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Gustav Adolf von Götzen explores Rwanda
Götzen is the first European to significantly explore the territory and even meets with the Rwandan king. -
Belgian forces take control
During -
Belgium introduces identity cards
The government begins to hand out identification cards, labeling people from different ethnic groups, such as the Tutsis and the Hutus. These divisions arguably lead to the genocide in the later 1900's. -
Rwandan Revolution starts
Ethnic clashes between Hutus and Tutsis and the Belgians are pushed out. -
Rwanda gains independence
Rwanda moves from a Belgian territory and Tutsi-dominated monarchy to a Hutu-dominated independent nation.