German Africa

Germany colonized Africa during two distinct periods. In the 1680s, the Margraviate of Brandenburg established limited imperial efforts in West Africa, including settlements on the Gold Coast and a protectorate over Arguin, which lasted until 1721. Over a century and a half later, the unified German Empire established colonies in Africa in 1884, following the Berlin Conference. These included territories in modern Burundi, Cameroon, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Togo, which became lucrative colonies. During World War I, these colonies were occupied by Allied Powers and were transferred from German control in 1919 by the League of Nations, being divided among Belgium, France, Portugal, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.