Britain, Germany and Colonial Violence in South-West Africa, 1884-1919: The Herero and Nama Genocide

This book explores British and South African perspectives on the genocide of the Herero and Nama in German South West Africa from 1904 to 1908, presenting a transnational and trans-colonial perspective on the war imposed by Germany. It sheds light on Anglo-German relations during 'native rebellions' and exposes shared experiences of colonial violence. The author focuses on British involvement in counter-insurgency efforts, its awareness of the extent of the genocide, and how the Herero-Nama War impacted colonial rule in British territory. The book also covers the entire period of German colonial rule in Africa (1884-1919), highlighting British and South African perspectives throughout this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 233 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intricate web of colonial histories, shedding light on British and South African perspectives on, and involvement in, the genocide of the Herero and Nama people in German South West Africa from 1904 to 1908. Aiming to present a transnational and trans-colonial lens on the war imposed by Germany, the book explores Anglo-German relations during the "native rebellions" and uncovers shared experiences of colonial violence. This approach aligns with a recent surge in historiography that emphasizes the cooperation between colonial powers in maintaining order in Africa. The author specifically focuses on British involvement in counter-insurgency efforts, their awareness of the scale of the genocide, and the lasting impact of the Herero-Nama War on colonial rule in British territories. The book sheds light on how the British government strategically managed sensitive information on German colonialism, tailoring it to meet geopolitical needs. Prior to 1914, reports on German colonialism were ignored and censored, but they became crucial in Britain's foreign policy when it came to seizing German colonies in 1919. Beyond the war years, the book encompasses the entire period of German colonial rule in Africa (1884-1919), providing fresh insights into the first genocide of the century. Building on a growing body of research into trans-colonialism, this book makes valuable contributions to modern German history.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030945602
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022