This doctoral thesis starts with a general introduction and will end with a general conclusion, which summarizes the main output of the entire work. Each chapter will begin with a special introduction and finish with a partial conclusion. The study set off a description of the historical background of Germany's colonial policy in Africa and the circumstances which surrounded its conquest and exit. Furthermore the question of multiple collective memories will be raised up from the interwar to the post war period. In a next step the strategic goals of West and East Germany's Africa policies since 1949 will be analyzed especially with regard to their interests. The EC-ACP relationship became much more relevant starting up with 1960. This process already exist until today. Taken together, in 2016 the 28 EU member states and 79 ACP countries constitute more than fifty percent of the 193 UN members states1. In the last part, this work demonstrates the German contribution to development policies in general and how mechanism worked within the framework of the association policies pursued by Germany with the so called ACP countries.
Germany began its colonial expansion in the 1880s under Bismack's leadership, encouraged not only by bourgeoisie but also by gentry. Germany occupies a place in Africa's historical contemporary experiences. It was in Berlin in 1884/85 when the European great powers met in order to split up Africa into a patchwork of colonial possessions which later became states in theory. It was called the “Scramble” for Africa. The Conference also marked the dawn of one of the most brutalising and humiliating experiences endured by Africans: colonization. And although Germany was only a “minor” player at the Berlin Conference, the meeting had profound impact on the African governance, economics, culture politics and psyche. There is a lot of merit in the argument that Africa's position in the global economy, its place among other continents, its role in world politics and international relations in general, are related to the decisions in 1884/85. In short, it is not possible for Africa and Africans to say “good-bye to Berlin” because its legacies-tangible and intangible-continue to stare us in the face both within and outside Africa. In the Cold War period (1945-1989), the “German Question”, that is, the division of Germany into communist east and capitalist west, also had an impact directly and indirectly on Africa and its populations.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- General Introduction
- I. Colonial Policy in Context: from the German Reich to Franco-German Relation (1870-1963)
- Introduction
- Factors of Motivations
- Attitudes and Pressure Groups: Supporters and Opponents
- Germany's \"World Policy\"
- The Race for Africa: Economic Reasons
- German East Africa (Deutsch-Ostafrika)
- \"The Society for German Colonization\"
- Economic Development and Education
- WWI: The East African Campaign
- German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Südwestafrika)
- Early Settlements
- Rebellion against German Rule: The Herero and Namaqua Genocide
- German West-Africa (Deutsch-Westafrika)
- Kamerun
- Togoland
- Franco-German Cooperation and the Loss of Germany's Colonial Power
- The Onset of Franco-German Cooperation
- Elysée Treaty as an Example of Cooperation
- The Bases of Franco-German Cooperation from the EC to the EU
- Partial Conclusion
- II. Multiple Collective Memories of Colonialism in Germany
- Introduction
- The African Books (Afrikabücher) as Canon of Memory
- Germany's Colonial Revisionism
- The First Prominent Aim of the African Books
- The Second Prominent Aim of the African Books
- The Celebration of Various Objects of German Memories
- National Paradigm of Colonial Nostalgia
- Colonial Products and Black Performances
- New Political and Educational Framework: Textbook Tools for Spreading National Socialist Goals
- Educational Policy and General Attitudes from Weimar to Nazi Germany
- Punitive Expeditions and Colonial Wars
- Leaving Colonial History: Didactic Aims
- Partial Conclusion
- III. West Germany's Foreign Policy towards Africa after WWII (1949-1990)
- Introduction
- Building-up West Germany's Africa Policy
- Immersion and Engagement outside of Europe
- Hesitance and Emergence
- Establishment and Evolution
- Formal Institutional Frameworks and Informal Structures
- The Chancellery and the Auswärtige Amt
- The Ministry of Economic Cooperation and the Bundestag
- Informal Agencies' Framework of West German African policy
- West Germany's Economic Policy towards Africa after WWII
- Socio-Economic Cooperation
- Trade and Security
- Content and Structure of Trade
- Political Issues of West German Positions on Africa
- Political Gratification and Cooperation
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation aims to examine the historical development of German colonialism in Africa from the 19th century to the post-colonial period. The research explores the motivations behind German colonialism, its impact on different regions of Africa, and its subsequent influence on West Germany's foreign policy towards Africa after World War II. The thesis also delves into the collective memory of colonialism in Germany, highlighting the various narratives and interpretations surrounding this complex historical period.
- The historical context of German colonialism in Africa and its motivations.
- The impact of German colonialism on various regions of Africa and the legacy of colonial rule.
- The evolution of West Germany's foreign policy towards Africa after World War II and its relationship to the past.
- The complexities of collective memory surrounding German colonialism in Germany and the diverse narratives surrounding it.
- The importance of understanding the history of German colonialism to inform present-day relations between Germany and Africa.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- I. Colonial Policy in Context: from the German Reich to Franco-German Relation (1870-1963) This chapter explores the historical context of German colonialism in Africa, outlining the motivations, key players, and major events that shaped its development. It examines the role of pressure groups, economic interests, and Germany's pursuit of a "world policy" in driving its colonial ambitions. The chapter then dives into the specific experiences of German colonial rule in East Africa, South-West Africa, and West Africa, highlighting the impact on local populations and the legacy of colonial administration. It also analyzes the development of Franco-German cooperation in the post-colonial period, exploring its significance for European integration and German-African relations.
- II. Multiple Collective Memories of Colonialism in Germany This chapter examines the multifaceted ways in which German colonialism has been remembered and interpreted within Germany. It analyzes the role of "African books" as a primary source of information and interpretation, highlighting the tensions between colonial revisionism and historical accuracy. The chapter then investigates the role of objects, images, and cultural performances in constructing a collective memory of colonialism, exploring both nostalgic and critical perspectives. Finally, it examines how educational policies and textbooks have shaped the understanding of German colonial history, considering the influence of both the Weimar Republic and the Nazi regime.
- III. West Germany's Foreign Policy towards Africa after WWII (1949-1990) This chapter examines the evolution of West Germany's foreign policy towards Africa in the post-war era. It analyzes the challenges faced by West Germany in re-establishing its international role and its approach to developing relations with African countries. The chapter explores the establishment of formal institutional frameworks and informal structures that shaped West Germany's engagement with Africa, highlighting the role of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and the Bundestag. It further investigates the economic and political dimensions of West Germany's Africa policy, exploring the role of trade, security, and development cooperation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This dissertation examines German colonialism in Africa, focusing on its historical development, motivations, and impact. Key concepts include: German imperialism, colonial administration, collective memory, Franco-German relations, West Germany's foreign policy, economic development, development cooperation, trade, and security. The research also explores the influence of colonialism on contemporary relations between Germany and Africa.
- Citation du texte
- Affo Kassi Kassi (Auteur), 2020, From German Colonialism in the 19th Century to Two Germanies Africa Policies in ACP Context and Beyond, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1022160
