Why the Germans colonized Namibia in 1884

·         Why the Germans colonized Namibia in 1884

·         Need for new markets for surplus manufactured goods caused by the spread of industrial revolution.

·         The need for raw materials, e.g. cotton, rubber and minerals.

·         The need to spread Christianity and save Africans from poverty, ignorance, diseases and slavery. This was necessary if it could extend fruits of European civilization to the backward people of Africa.

·         The colonization of Namibia was necessary as a solution for redundant labor after the industrial revolution. For example towards 1880 there were many jobless people in German.

·         The Germans believed that they were a superior race over the African race.

·         After the 1870-71 Franco- Prussian war, German unified to become an autonomous country. She moved in Africa into colonial scramble, just like other countries in Europe had done elsewhere.

·         After the 1884-85 Berlin Conference, German was determined to officially occupy and consolidate its colonial spheres including Namibia.

·         Need by the German industrialists and traders to invest surplus capital in Namibia.

·         The discovery of minerals in South Africa made the Germans believe that the area also had minerals.

·         German occupied Namibia after other European countries setting the example of colonial extension.

·         German explorers, travelers and missionaries had already made constant appeals for protection from their home governments, which materialized in 1884.

·         The rise of nationalism and development of jingoism in Europe, i.e. colonies became signs of greatness and prestige. In

·         other words the more colonies a nation state had the more powerful and great she was considered to be.

·         Need to abolish slave trade and establish legitimate trade as required by the Berlin conference 1884- 1885.

·         The Germany Chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck wanted to gain political support from German merchants who wanted protection from traders of other nationalities.

·         There was pressure exerted by the British who were already at the various coastal areas and Bays who wanted to acquire the whole of Southern Africa.