British and German Ambitions in East African Ports

Abstract

East Africa is considered one of the most important strategic regions in the world, given its command of vital waterways of major commercial and military importance, in addition to its geographical proximity to Britain's colonies in India. Its importance increased during the period of international colonial rivalry, particularly between Britain and Germany, as it became a major arena for conflict between them.

This study examines the period in which the African continent was subject to European control. Britain and Germany were in a strong position to compete for colonies, with Africa being one of the most prominent arenas of this competition. In East Africa, both Britain and Germany were able to impose their influence over several regions and brutally exploit their human and material resources.

Britain emerged as the largest colonial power in Africa compared to other European countries, especially after the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), which enabled it to control vast areas of the continent in the center, north, east, and west. Until 1914, Britain maintained its interests in East Africa by placing the Sultans of Zanzibar under its political and military tutelage and consolidating their control along the coast, from Warshaik in the north to Cape Delgado in the south, near the Portuguese colonies.

Germany, for its part, viewed Tanganyika as a major axis of its influence in East Africa, thanks to its unique geographical location, and sought to strengthen its control and direct administration over it. The German-British rivalry over Tanganyika was part of the global imperialist policy that prevailed in Europe during the nineteenth century. After Germany acquired Tanganyika, it exploited it excessively and divided the lands of East Africa without consulting the indigenous people or taking their interests into account.