NAMIBIA: the first GEN0CIDE of the 20th century.

Summary

This video delves into Namibia's colonial history, tracing its roots back to German occupation in 1884. It explores the tragic events of the Herero and Nama genocide in 1904, where thousands of indigenous people were killed in concentration camps like Haifischinsel. The story also examines Namibia’s eventual independence in 1990, the enduring legacy of colonialism, and the struggles for justice by the Herero and Nama people, who sought reparations for the atrocities committed. The video highlights the complexity of Namibia's history, its geopolitical significance, and the lasting effects of past injustices on present-day society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dachau was not the first German concentration camp; earlier in 1905, Reich troops began using Shark Island in Namibia for similar purposes.
• 😀 Namibia, the youngest country in Africa, gained independence from South Africa in 1990 after a long history of colonial control and resistance.
• 😀 Namibia is one of the driest countries in Africa, divided into three distinct topographical zones: the coastal desert, central plateau, and Kalahari desert.
• 😀 German colonial interests in Namibia began in 1884, with the German Empire establishing a settlement colony and exploiting local resources.
• 😀 The Herero people of Namibia rebelled in 1904, leading to a brutal suppression by the German military under Lothar von Trotha, initiating the first genocide of the 20th century.
• 😀 Shark Island, or Haifischinsel, became notorious as a concentration camp where thousands of Herero and Nama died under harsh conditions.
• 😀 Pseudoscientific racial theories, particularly those of Eugen Fischer, were used to justify the brutal treatment of African people in the colonies, influencing Nazi ideology later.
• 😀 Hermann Göring's father, Heinrich Göring, was involved in the expropriation of land and racist policies in Namibia, contributing to the region's dark legacy.
• 😀 By 1907, German repression had wiped out a significant portion of the Herero and Nama populations, but German settlers grew in number and power.
• 😀 The genocide in Namibia and the subsequent treatment of the Herero and Nama people laid the groundwork for future atrocities during World War II, including the Holocaust.
• 😀 Namibia's path to independence and modern-day struggles highlight the long-lasting impacts of colonialism, including unresolved issues of land redistribution and reparations.

Q & A

What was the significance of Shark Island (Haifischinsel) during the German colonial period in Namibia?

Shark Island, also known as Haifischinsel, was a notorious concentration camp during the German colonial rule in Namibia. It was part of the German repression against the Herero and Nama populations, where between 3,000 and 4,000 prisoners died due to harsh conditions, diseases, and neglect. The camp earned the nickname 'Die Todesinsel' or 'The Island of Death' due to the high death toll.

How did Namibia gain its independence, and who played a crucial role in the process?

Namibia gained its independence in 1990 after a long struggle against South African occupation. The South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), led by figures such as Herman Toivo Ya Toivo, fought against South Africa's apartheid regime, with support from other African nations, the Soviet Union, and Cuba. SWAPO's efforts culminated in Namibia's independence after nearly a quarter-century of revolts.

What role did the Herero and Nama revolts play in shaping Namibia's history?

The Herero and Nama revolts were pivotal in shaping Namibia's colonial history. In 1904, the Herero revolted against German colonial forces, which led to a brutal suppression by the German military under General Lothar von Trotha. The revolt and its aftermath, including the genocide of the Herero and Nama, deeply impacted Namibia's future, leading to harsh repression, loss of life, and the displacement of many indigenous populations.

What was the 'Blue Book' and how did it contribute to the memory of the Namibian genocide?

The 'Blue Book' was a report published in 1918 by the UK and South Africa, documenting the treatment of the native populations of South West Africa (Namibia) by Germany, including the atrocities committed during the Herero and Nama genocides. The testimonies included in the book played a crucial role in preserving the memory of these events, although the report was later suppressed due to pressure from German settlers in South Africa.

What was the impact of German colonial rule on Namibia's native populations?

German colonial rule had devastating effects on Namibia's native populations. The Herero and Nama were subjected to genocide, forced labor, and harsh conditions in concentration camps. Many died due to starvation, disease, and violence. After the revolt, survivors were employed in agricultural and extraction activities under exploitative conditions, which continued to affect their lives well into the 20th century.

How did the discovery of diamonds in Namibia affect the indigenous populations?

The discovery of diamonds in Namibia in 1908 led to the exploitation of the land and its resources by German colonists. However, the native populations, particularly the Ovambo, were exploited for labor in the diamond mines under horrific conditions, including beatings, contractual fraud, and widespread illness, resulting in many deaths. The colonists profited from the mineral wealth, while indigenous people faced extreme hardship.

How did Namibia's relationship with Germany evolve after its independence in 1990?

After Namibia's independence in 1990, its relationship with Germany was complex. Although the Namibian government sought reparations for the genocide, Germany did not immediately take responsibility. In 2015, the German parliament officially acknowledged the crimes of its colonial past. However, the legacy of the genocide and the issue of reparations remain contentious, with many Namibians dissatisfied with the response.

What is the significance of the SWAPO party in Namibia's post-independence political landscape?

SWAPO, the South West Africa People's Organization, has played a dominant role in Namibia's post-independence politics. Despite challenges, it remains the governing party. SWAPO's legacy includes its fight for independence, as well as its attempts to balance the interests of indigenous Namibians with the realities of a multi-ethnic society, especially the delicate issue of land ownership and reparations for historical injustices.

Why did Namibia's government refuse to acknowledge the discovery of mass graves in 1999?

In 1999, mass graves of Herero victims were discovered in the Kalahari desert, but the Namibian government chose not to acknowledge them officially. This decision was likely influenced by the desire to maintain good relations with Germany, one of Namibia's key donor countries. Acknowledging these graves could have further strained diplomatic ties, especially regarding the sensitive issue of reparations for colonial atrocities.

How do contemporary issues in Namibia reflect the lasting impact of its colonial past?

Contemporary issues in Namibia, such as land ownership and economic inequality, are deeply rooted in its colonial history. Despite gaining independence, the majority of the fertile land remains in the hands of a small white minority, leading to persistent disparities. Efforts to redistribute land have been limited, and much of the land now belongs to foreign investors or the Namibian elite. These ongoing issues reflect the unaddressed legacies of colonialism.