Summary
Highlights
The video opens by highlighting a street sign in a Berlin suburb that tells an important story of remembering a forgotten genocide. Unlike the widely acknowledged Holocaust, Germany's colonial atrocities, particularly in modern-day Namibia, are not well-known, even among Germans. A 2019 poll shows a third of Germans were unaware of their colonial history, but this is slowly changing due to protests.
The video delves into the origins of German colonialism, starting with Chancellor Bismarck's telegram in 1884 to Gustav Nachtigall, instructing him to hoist the German flag in Togo, Cameroon, and Namibia. Germany was late to colonialism, unifying only in 1871. Initially, leaders like Bismarck saw colonies as expensive and troublesome. However, a growing navy, public colonial fever, and the desire to direct German emigrants to German territories changed this stance. The Berlin Conference was then convened to peacefully divide Africa among European powers.
The German presence in Southwest Africa (modern-day Namibia) wasn't peaceful. German settlers exploited rivalries between the Herero and Nama tribes, but their aggressive land claims and violence led to a revolt. The German response was brutal; under General Lothar von Trotha, an 'extermination order' was issued against the Herero, leading to thousands dying in the desert. The Namaqua also suffered. Concentration camps were established, and skulls were sent to Germany for 'racial science' studies. This event is considered the first genocide of the 20th century.
The video questions why the colonial genocide was neglected for so long, especially given Germany's strong national identity centered around remembering the Holocaust. Germany has invested significantly in Holocaust remembrance, with memorials and educational initiatives across the country. This strong focus on 'Vergangenheitsaufarbeitung' (coming to terms with the past) regarding the Holocaust overshadowed other historical crimes.
Reasons for the neglect of Germany's colonial past include its relatively short duration (about 40 years before WWI) and the small number of German settlers. The overwhelming focus on World War II and Nazi history in German education also played a role. However, protests and lawsuits by descendants of the Herero and Namaqua, particularly since Namibia's independence in 1990, have forced Germany to acknowledge these atrocities as genocide and return human remains. Street names in Berlin are also being changed to reflect these historical re-evaluations.
The process of reconciliation is far from over. An agreement between Germany and Namibia on a stimulus package is not universally accepted as reparations, especially by the descendants who feel excluded from the talks. Disputes over colonial-era street names, like Mohrenstrasse, continue to highlight the ongoing struggle. The video concludes by noting that dealing with the past is a complex and imperfect process for Germany, beyond even its colonial history, including the lingering effects of the Cold War division and the fall of the Berlin Wall.