Topic 9: The herero genocide of 1904

 



The Herero and Nama genocide, also known as the Herero and Namaqua genocide, took place between 1904 and 1908 in what is now Namibia. It was perpetrated by the German Empire during its colonial rule in South-West Africa, making it one of the first genocides of the 20th century.


Background

In the late 19th century, Germany established colonial control over South-West Africa (modern-day Namibia). The Herero and Nama people, two of the largest indigenous groups in the region, initially coexisted with the German settlers. However, tensions escalated due to land seizures, oppressive policies, and the exploitation of indigenous labor.


The Genocide

In January 1904, the Herero people, led by Chief Samuel Maharero, rebelled against German colonial rule, seeking to reclaim their lands. The uprising was met with brutal repression. German military commander, General Lothar von Trotha, was sent to crush the rebellion. Von Trotha issued an infamous *extermination order*, which stated that all Herero people, including women and children, should be driven out of the region and shot if they resisted.


The German military pursued the Herero into the arid Omaheke Desert, where thousands died of thirst, starvation, and exposure. Those who survived were captured and placed in concentration camps, where they were subjected to forced labor, malnutrition, and disease. The Nama people, who also rebelled against German rule, faced similar atrocities.

By the time the genocide ended in 1908, it is estimated that between 65,000 and 80,000 Herero (about 80% of the Herero population) and around 10,000 Nama (about 50% of the Nama population) had been killed. The survivors were left landless, impoverished, and subject to harsh colonial rule.



The Herero and Nama genocide was a precursor to the horrors of the 20th century, including the Holocaust. The systematic nature of the genocide, including the use of concentration camps and the deliberate targeting of an ethnic group for extermination, set a grim precedent.

Recognition and Reconciliation:

For many years, the genocide was largely ignored by Germany and the international community. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the atrocities. In 2004, Germany officially acknowledged the genocide, and in 2021, the German government formally recognized it as genocide and offered a financial settlement to Namibia, though the terms and adequacy of this offer have been subject to debate.



The Herero and Nama descendants have sought reparations and a formal apology from Germany. The issue remains a sensitive and complex topic in both Namibia and Germany, reflecting broader discussions about colonial legacies and historical justice.

Here is a the link to watch a video about  the herero  genocide of 1904 to 1908 

https://youtu.be/uG07sm3w6sU?si=MdrwEANTlX_62q-b

Comments

  1. Digital Respect HubAugust 16, 2024 at 2:45 AM

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  3. KatjimuneprivatetutorAugust 20, 2024 at 2:47 PM

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    Replies
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