Colonial Era

A Turbulent Time

In search of raw materials, nations circumnavigated the entire Earth, with the Asian region being particularly sought after. During the arduous journey, ships had to almost completely circumnavigate the African continent. This led to the establishment of bases and trading posts along the coasts of the continent. Over time, these developed into vast colonies that extended deeper into the interior.

The Exploitation of an Entire Continent

Over the next five centuries, many European great powers established colonies in Africa. Against the will of the local peoples, this endeavor was usually implemented by force. Those who resisted the new rulers were murdered or enslaved. The Portuguese were the first nation in the 15th century to establish colonies along the coast. From there, ships from Europe would dock, and goods were sent to the homeland or to America. These were mostly slaves who were sold in exchange for goods in the New World. This so-called triangular trade, from Europe to Africa via America and back, was conducted for over four centuries.

The Discovery of the Hinterland

For a long time, the colonial powers were limited to conquering the coastal strips along the Atlantic. It was not until the late 19th century that other great powers penetrated deeper into African territory. The German Empire was among them; it possessed, among other colonies, Namibia, Ruanda and Burundi. Technologically and culturally, the Europeans were significantly superior to the indigenous peoples. Resistance from the local population was brutally suppressed. Other peoples entered into treaties with the foreign rulers and declared themselves willing to submit. In return, the colonial powers promised protection from other states.

The Peak of the Colonial Era

By the late 19th century, the colonization of the African continent had reached its peak. Almost all states on the continent had lost their independence and were under the control of European great powers. The colonial powers engaged in a bloody competition for the best colonies and ruthlessly exploited the people and the land. Although the slave trade was banned and punishable during this time, it remained common practice in many parts of the continent well into the 20th century.

The End of the Colonial Era

For almost five centuries, the European colonial rulers fought on the African continent, leaving behind devastated and destroyed states. It was not until the end of World War II, when a reordering of the world took place, that more and more African countries regained their independence. Within two decades, 50 colonies were no longer under the control of a European great power. 1960 is recorded in many history books as the year of the so-called decolonization, the year when most states were independent again. Only Portugal refused for many years to recognize the independence of some states. It was not until some fierce confrontations that the Southern Europeans also gave up colonial rule in Africa.