Introduction
The guide Studying Genocides presents nine genocides recognized by the UN, Canada, or Quebec. Here, discover the case of the genocide of the Herero and Nama in Namibia, presented through four sections: the first section provides context for the study with a map, highlights, and a timeline; the second offers a problematization of the case under study; the third examines essential elements of the historical context; and the fourth section describes the genocide according to the six stages of the genocidal process.
EXCERPT FROM AN ACCOUNT
"The new German governor promised the few thousand survivors who were hiding in the bush, most of them walking skeletons, that they would be safe. They would be sent to Lüderitz Bay, under extremely precarious conditions. . . There, people dropped like poisoned flies. The children and elderly first, followed by the women and the weakest of the men. . . . Ablebodied men were forced to work at the ports and railroad depots. Young women, even those who were married, were taken by the soldiers as concubines."
Credit: Das Bundesarchiv
Timeline
Highlights
- Expropriation and colonization of indigenous lands
- Massacre of indigenous populations (Herero and Nama) by Germans in retaliation for their revolt
- Namibia
- South West Africa
- Tensions between the Germans and the Herero and Nama started in 1885.
- The Herero and Nama revolted in January 1904.
- The genocide of the Herero and Nama took place between 1904 and 1908.
- The perpetrators were the German authorities.
- The victims were the indigenous populations of Namibia: the Herero and the Nama.
The full Story
We have developed a comprehensive document that outlines and summarizes the entire narrative. Please download, print, and utilize it for your teaching and study purposes.
