Unveiling Germany’s Forgotten Colonial Past: The Berlin Conference and Its Legacy
In the heart of Berlin, a modest steel plaque stands at 77 William Street, marking the site of the 1884-85 Berlin Conference. This historic gathering of European leaders set the stage for the "Scramble for Africa," a period of intense colonial expansion. The plaque, erected by a nonprofit in 2020, contrasts sharply with the city’s official Holocaust memorials, highlighting Germany’s struggle to confront its colonial history. While the plaque is a step towards acknowledgment, it remains relatively unnoticed, symbolizing the broader neglect of this chapter in Germany’s past.
The Berlin Conference, orchestrated by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, was a pivotal event where European powers, without any African representation, divided the continent into colonies. This meeting established the rules for "effective occupation," leading to the rapid colonisation of Africa. Germany, albeit initially hesitant, joined the scramble, claiming territories like German East Africa and German Southwest Africa. The conference’s aftermath saw Africa’s colonised areas leap from 20% to 90% within five years, setting the stage for decades of exploitation and oppression.
Despite its profound impact, Germany’s colonial history is often overlooked in its collective memory. The nation’s educational curriculum focuses more on the Holocaust and World War II, leaving a significant gap in understanding its colonial past. Personal stories, like that of Sanga Lenz discovering her ancestor’s role in the colonies, illustrate the generational disconnect from this history. This lack of awareness perpetuates a national narrative that marginalizes its colonial legacy.
Efforts to address this historical amnesia are growing, spearheaded by activists and organizations. Groups like Each One Teach One (EOTO) and initiatives such as the Decolonial City Tour aim to educate by highlighting colonial remnants in Berlin’s landscape. These tours reveal the city’s hidden history, from streets named after colonies to the origins of businesses like Edeka, originally tied to colonial trade. Such endeavors invite dialogue and reflection, offering a counter-narrative to Germany’s colonial past.
Activists are pushing for formal acknowledgment and reparations, mirroring the Berlin Conference with modern forums. These gatherings advocate for justice, including visa reforms and human rights protections. However, these efforts face resistance, particularly from far-right groups like the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which dismisses colonial accountability as shameful. Their influence poses a threat to these initiatives, underscoring the challenges in fostering a more inclusive national identity.
In conclusion, while Germany has made strides in acknowledging its colonial past, significant work remains. The plaque at 77 William Street serves as a reminder of both historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for remembrance. As educational and activist efforts continue, they challenge Germans to confront their colonial legacy, seeking a path toward reconciliation and a more equitable future. The journey is complex, but essential for healing and understanding.
