German+Southwest+Africa

  **__ German Southwest Africa __**    German Southwest Africa was the second territory to become a colony of Germany. It became a German protectorate, or a colony with its own government protected by a foreign power, on April 24th, 1884. In 1885, the area controlled by Germany was extended to include more land. It is located in Southern Africa between Angola and South Africa and it borders the South Atlantic Ocean on the west. It is now referred to as the nation of Namibia.  // Reasons for Conquering German Southwest Africa: //

German Southwest Africa was an attractive colony for Germany because of the cultural diversity in the area. Germany desired to unite the area by inviting European culture in. They would introduce the ideas from Europeans like Christianity, and unite the people of the area under one distinct culture, instead of several separate cultures. The area had a lot of fish and livestock, which could feed the growing population of people in Germany. The area had many natural resources including iron ore, coal, natural gas, lead, tin, and copper which were desirable products used in industrialization. This area also had gold and diamonds, which were very valuable and was the main attraction of Germans to this territory. //  Positive and Negative Effects of German Imperialism: //    One of Germany's main goals was to unite the people of the area under one culture influenced by European ideas, rather than have the people separated by different cultures. Many native Africans did not like the changing ideas and held uprisings against the changes being made. Germany had to fight to keep the people under control. Many people were killed in the fights, both Germans and Africans. Germany helped to advance every-day life of Africans by inviting ideas of Europeans and industrialization into the area. This made every-day life and communication simpler.


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