However, both the Hereros and the Namas finally realized that German colonization threatened their very existence. Both ethnic groups arose in revolt. The military clashes with the Germans lasted until 1908 and ended with the total submission of the native population.

At the beginning of the First World War, the area was occupied by South African troops. German South West Africa then became 'South West Africa'. In 1920, the League of Nations declared the country a mandate territory, entrusting it to South Africa to be administered according to their laws. In 1966, the mandate was annulled by the UN, the successor to the League of Nations. However, South Africa refused to accept this decision. Many years of bitter fighting between South Africa and the UN-supported SWAPO, Namibia's liberation organization, followed. On the 21st of March, 1990, the political independence of Namibia finally became a reality.

Top: Artillery men of the German "Schutztruppe" Left: The "Alte Feste" in Windhoek, erected by German colonial soldiers in 1890. Fotos © KGH

Namibia was a German protectorate from 1884 until 1914 and was called "Deutsch Südwestafrika". The German emperor sent the "Schutztruppe". This military corps had the task of turning the area between the Oranje and Kunene rivers into a German colony. German settlers were supposed to acquire land and cultivate it without hindrance. In order to achieve this, the region's native population, predominantly Namas and Hereros, had to be subjugated.

In the first years, colonization progressed in a more or less peaceful manner. Treaties were negotiated - in whichever unfair manner - with the representatives of the Namas and Hereros, promising military protection to both groups. In return, they agreed to tolerate the fact that German settlers would take possession of their land.