German colonial campaigns in Southwest and East Africa (1884–1915)

1. Lüderitz land purchases begin German foothold

   May 1, 1883Labels: Adolf L, Angra Pequena, Nama leaders

   • ICA Paper
   • GSW Africa

2. Germany declares protectorate in South West Africa

   Apr 24, 1884Labels: L deritzland, Schutzgebiet, German South

   • GSW Africa
   • ICA Paper

3. Berlin Conference sets “effective occupation” framework

   Nov 15, 1884Labels: Berlin Conference, effective occupation

   • Britannica
   • Foreign Office

4. Germany leases Zanzibar coast, sparking Abushiri revolt

   Apr 28, 1888Labels: Zanzibar coast, German East, Abushiri Revolt

   • Abushiri Revolt

5. Wissmann appointed; blockade and counter-campaign begins

   Jan 1, 1889Labels: Hermann von, blockade, Schutztruppe origins

   • Abushiri Revolt
   • Schutztruppe

6. Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty fixes East Africa spheres

   Jul 1, 1890Labels: Heligoland Zanzibar, Caprivi Strip, Britain

   • Britannica

7. Reichstag creates Schutztruppe for German East Africa

   Mar 22, 1891Labels: Reichstag, Schutztruppe, askari

   • Schutztruppe
   • DOA Schutztruppe

8. Herero uprising begins against German rule

   Jan 12, 1904Labels: Herero, Okahandja, German settler

   • Britannica
   • Herero Genocide

9. Battle of Waterberg drives Herero into desert

   Aug 11, 1904Labels: Battle of, Herero, Omaheke Desert

   • Britannica
   • Waterberg

10. Shark Island camp becomes center of mass death

    Mar 1, 1905Labels: Shark Island, L deritz, concentration camp

    • Shark Island
    • Britannica

11. Maji Maji Rebellion erupts in German East Africa

    Jul 1, 1905Labels: Maji Maji, German East, cotton cultivation

    • Maji Maji

12. World War I opens campaigns to seize German colonies

    Aug 1, 1914Labels: World War, Allied campaigns, German colonies

    • NAM Museum
    • Tanga

13. German South West Africa surrenders to South Africa

    Jul 9, 1915Labels: German South, Union of, surrender 1915

    • NAM Museum
    • HISTORY

14. Lettow-Vorbeck formally surrenders in East Africa

    Nov 25, 1918Labels: Paul von, German East, armistice 1918

    • WFA Article