History and Citizenship

Key unit competence To be able to analyse the reactions of Africans to colonial conquest.

9.1 Forms of African responses towards European colonial   conquest

Different African societies reacted differently towards colonial rule. The reactions depended on the circumstances that existed in such societies. African response can be grouped into two main ways. These are: 

1. Collaboration 

2. Resistance 

Activity 9.1

In groups, discuss the meanings of the following words: 

1. Collaboration 

2. Resistance Make presentation of your findings to the entire class.

1.  Collaboration 

In this case, African states and societies cooperated with the Europeans. They even assisted them in the process of establishing colonial rule in Africa. In other words, such African states welcomed Europeans and even allowed them to settle in their societies. Examples of African societies that collaborated with Europeans include Buganda in Uganda, Fante in Ghana and Creoles in Sierra Leone. The following were some of the African leaders who collaborated with Europeans: 

• Kabaka Mutesa I of Buganda 

• Semei Kakungulu of Uganda 

• King Lewanika of Lozi Empire

• Jaja of Opobo 

• Gerere of Dahomey 

• Merere of Nyamwezi

2.  Resistance

From what you found out in Activity 9.1, you realise that resistance refers to the situation where Africans opposed the establishment of colonial rule in their societies. This implies that: 

•  Africans rejected the presence of foreigners in their societies and fought against them. 

•  Africans refused to cooperate with Europeans as they (Europeans) tried to impose their rule on their (Africans) societies. 

Nama-Herero Rebelion 1904-1907 

This was an armed joint resistance in Namibia. It was started by two tribes, the Nama and Herero against German colonial masters. The Germans took over parts of Namibia in 1884 hence subjecting the Nama and Herero to colonial rule. The rebellion was led by Samuel Maherero. It was basically a fight for self-rule. 

Causes of the Nama-Herero rebellion 

(a) Land alienation 

The Nama and Herero lost their land to the Germans. The Germans encouraged white settlers to stay in Namibia. They also encouraged establishment of agricultural plantations. The Nama and Herero were pushed into reserves. The conditions in the reserves were so harsh that it compelled the two tribes to begin a rebellion against the Germans. 

(b) Outbreak of natural calamities in 1897 

There was an outbreak of natural calamities such as rinder pest that attacked cattle in Namibia. The disease killed up to 80% of the Herero herds. This was a great loss to the Herero.This was blamed on Germans in Namibia. 

(c) Forced labour 

The Nama and Herero were subjected to forced labour by the Germans in plantations, copper mines and railway construction. Pastoral communities which were not used to such conditions had no alternative but to resist.

(d) Unfair taxation system 

The Germans imposed a number of taxes such as land tax and hut tax on Herero.  Methods of collection were unfair. Tax defaulters were either imprisoned or their property was confiscated. This also annoyed the two tribes. 

(e) The role of traditional religion 

The Nama and the Herero were strongly motivated and encouraged by traditional religion. Prophet Sturman who lived in Nama societies encouraged his people to rebel and promised them victory and immesurable benefits. This inspired the Nama and Herero to begin Nama-Herero rebellion as they believed they would defeat the Germans. 

(f) Germans’ desire to disarm the Nama

 After the Herero uprising, the Germans decided to disarm the Nama in order to avoid further challenges. This was opposed by Africans who later formed a joint rebellion against Germans. 

(g) The need to regain lost independence

The Nama and Herero wanted to regain their independence that they lost to German colonial masters in Namibia. This also provoked them to stage an armed struggle against Germans to demand for self-rule. 

The 1903 Credit Ordinance 

This was a new law that was passed by the German traders. They were demanding for the payment of their debts from Africans. The German traders had given goods on credit to Africans and demanded payment within one year. This was followed with harassment of Africans who teamed up for the rebellion against German invaders. 

(i) German harsh rule

Germans in Namibia were harsh and oppressive to Africans. They mistreated people through their colonial administrative policies. This too annoyed Africans.

(j) Loss of cattle to the Germans

 German soldiers grabbed cattle belonging to the Nama and the Herero. This, in addition to the effects of rinder pest, made Africans poor and annoyed. 

(k) Good leadership 

The Nama and the Herero had good leaders such as Samuel Maherero of Herero and Hendrik Witbooi of Nama. The two organised their people in the society uprising against the Germans. 

Activity 9.2 

In groups, research to find out more about Nama-Herero rebellion. Prepare a report for presentation in class discussion.

Fig. 9.1: Samuel Maherero (1856 - 1917)   Fig. 9.2: Hendrik Witbooi and his wives (1830 - 1905)

Kabalega of Bunyoro 

Kabalega was born on 18th June 1853. He was also known as Chwa II Kabalega. His father, Omukama Kyebambe IV, was called Kanyange Nyamutahingurwa. Kabalega was the Omukama of Bunyoro from 1869 to 1899. Kabalega resisted the British attempts to colonise his Bunyoro Kingdom. On 1st January 1894, the British declared war on Bunyoro. For five years, Kabalega was able to resist the British. He, Kabalega, was shot by the British on 9th April 1899. He was wounded in the arm and captured alongside Kabaka Mwanga by Semei Kakungulu and Andreya Luwandagga, two Buganda military generals who were collaborating with the British.

          
               Fig 9.3: Chwa II Kabalega (1853 - 1923) 

Kabalega was then exiled Kabaka in Kismayu and later in Seychelles. In 1923, he was given permission to return to Bunyoro. Unfortunately, he died in Jinja on 6th April 1923. He died shortly before reaching the borders of the kingdom. Kabalega was the last great king of Bunyoro. After his fall, the kingdom was run by the British until Uganda’s independence in 1962. 

Reasons why Kabalega resisted British colonialism in Bunyoro

 (a) His strong army called Abarusura 

He had a large well-trained army that he himself trained. His men were equipped with guns that he had acquired from long distance traders. This strongly encouraged him to revolt. He believed that he could defeat the British. 

(b) Relationship between Buganda and the British 

The British collaborated with his rivals and enemies, the Baganda. This left him with no choice but to stage resistance against the British.

(c) Kabalega’s early war victories over neighbours 

He had earlier on skillfully attacked and defeated his neighbours such as Karagwe. This gave him false confidence of victory against the British. 

(d) Selfish economic interests 

The British interfered with the profitable slave trade. As a result, the Nyoro incurred losses. The Nyoro decided to collaborate with Kabalega to resist the British rule in their empire. 

(e) Forced cash crop production 

The British introduced a number of cash crops such as coffee, cotton and tea. They were supposed to be grown by the Banyoro. This was viewed as 
exploitation and a way to prevent them from growing food crops. It also made Kabalega to resist British rule in Bunyoro. 

(f) Mistreatment of earlier collaborators 

The colonial masters in Buganda Kingdom reduced powers and authority of the king. They subjected people to forced labour. They took people’s land by force. This increased his hatred against colonialism. For example, Semei Kakungulu believed that the British would allow him to become the King of Bukendi of Busoga, but the British preferred to rule these areas through civil servants in their pay and under their control. The British also limited Kangulu to a 20 square mile area.

Activity 9.3

In groups, research to find out more about Bunyoro resistance.

Prepare a report for presentation in class discussion.

Samoure Toure and the Mandinka Empire 

Samuore Toure was born in 1830 in Manyambaladugu, a village south east of Kankan in present-day Guinea. Samoure was a great warrior who fought imperialism in the 19th Century. He refused to submit to French colonisation. He chose to fight. Toure became a well known leader, training and commanding a growing and disciplined army. He expanded his conquests, building a united empire called Mandika. By 1874, he declared himself Faama (monarch). He established the capital of his kingdom at Bisandugu in present-day Gambia in the 1880s. The empire covered Bamako, Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast and Liberia. On 1st May 1898, the French seized the town of Sikasso. Toure and his army took up positions in the Liberian forests to resist.

How Samori Toure resisted the French for long 

• He used good methods of fighting which included guerrilla warfare and scorched earth policy. His army destroyed crops, granaries of food, houses and poisoned water before retreating. This made the French lack supplies. He also used guerrilla warfare to avoid direct battles with the French. 

• He had a very powerful army. It was large, well equipped and well trained. His army consisted of 30,000-35,000 soldiers. 

• He had strong weapons and large in number. He also had his own workshops where his skilled blacksmith produced weapons such as shields, arrows and spears. He also acquired guns from the coastal traders and the British. 

• Strong unity and support of his citizens and conquered states enabled him to resist for long. The Mandinka and people from conquered states supplied him with food and joined his army against the French. 

• Islam also played a very important role. All the Mandika people were Muslims and religion acted as a uniting factor. This unity of the Mandika enabled them to support Toure against the French. 

• He used diplomacy too. For example, he allied with the British in Sierra Leon who continued supplying him with weapons that he used to fight the French. His relationship with the British scared the French. 

• Geographical factors also favoured him. The Mandinka were fighting on a home ground that they understood very well. On the other hand, the French were fighting on a foreign land and became challenged. 

• He had a reliable spy network. Toure had a spy network system composed of Dyulla traders, his old time friends. The spies provided him with information concerning French advances to his empire. This helped him prepare in advance before the French attacks.

• The personality and character of Samori Toure played a role. He was a military genius and personally commanded his army. He was a brave soldier. This made him to challenge the French troops for long in the Mandinka Empire. 

Activity 9.4 

In groups, research to find out more about reasons for the defeat of Samori Toure and the Mandinka. Prepare a report for presentation in class.
      

           Fig. 9.4: Samori Toure (1830 - 1900) 

The Maji Maji Rebellion 

In Tanzania Maji is a Swahili word which means water. It came from the prophecy of a traditional religious leader called Kinjikitile Ngwale. Kinjikitile mixed some water with millet and sorghum flour then sprinkled on African soldiers. He believed that the magic water would protect Africans from bullets of the Germans. This was a reaction of Africans living in south east Tanganyika against the German colonial masters. Many tribes joined this rebellion. The tribes included the Mbuga, Wangindo, Ngoni, Bena, Zaramo, Mafumbi, Makonde, Ngindo and Urugulu.

Fig. 9.5: A sketch map of German East Africa showing areas affected by rebellion 

Causes of the Maji Maji rebellion 

(a) Rise of nationalism among Africans 

The societies of southern Tanganyika developed too much hatred for the Germans and their rule because of their brutality, forced labour and disrespect of African culture among others. They decided that the only way to have independence was through a rebellion. 

(b) Heavy taxation

The German administration introduced taxation as a way of forcing the Africans to work on European farms. Africans (Ngoni, Ngindo, Zaramo, Matumbi, Pogoro, Lungura, Ndendeule, Mpunga and Bena) rebelled as a way of saving themselves from the heavy taxes that were imposed on them by the Germans. Not only were the taxes heavy but even the methods of collection were harsh and brutal.

(c) Loss of land to Germans 

The Germans had grabbed the fertile land belonging to Africans, for example, within the rift valley and Mahenge plateau. In those two areas, the Germans established plantations. This compelled Africans to rebel so as to regain their land.

(d) Forced labour policies 

Africans were forced to work on German construction projects such as railways and roads. They were also forced to work in the cotton plantations. Africans were made to work for long hours and were given small wages. Sometimes they would work with no pay. This annoyed Africans and they decided to fight the Germans. 

(e) The oppressive German rule 

The Germans employed Arab-Swahili as headmen (Jumbes) and chiefs (Akidas) to assist in the administration. These Akidas and Jumbes were very harsh to the African communities. They had no respect for the African traditional rulers and they flogged them in public. Germans used Akidas and Jumbes who were unpopular among the African societies. They were unpopular because they had mistreated people before. They were harsh in the implementation of German rule. They had no respect for the African traditional rulers and at times flogged them in public. 

(f) Need to revenge on the Germans 

Some African societies like the Ngoni joined the Maji Maji so as to revenge the Boma massacres of 1897. In this incident, Ngoni leaders were tricked by the German officials into entering a ‘boma’ or fort. Once inside, the Germans tried to arrest them and in the ensuing struggle, many people died. 

(g) Role of Kinjikitile Ngwale 

Kinjiketile Ngwale mobilised people in 1904. He sent messengers to the surrounding country to train people. He spread the power of ‘magic water’ from River Rufiji which inspired many people to join the rebellion. The water, they believed, had powers of turning bullets into water. People did not have any fear for the German bullets. The belief in the water gave the warriors courage to face the Germans despite the fact that the latter were better armed. 

Need to preserve the African culture

Africans wanted to retain their culture as the German administration had disrupted the way of life of the African people. Germans also had no respect for African culture and customs. They and their servants raped Ngindo women, an offence that was punishable by death. They also burnt African shrines.This annoyed the Africans. 

(i) Outbreak of natural calamities 

There was an outbreak of natural calamities such as famine in 1905 in the south east Tanganyika states. The famine led to resentment among the locals. Such calamities caused Africans to suffer. They were attributed to the presence of Germans on their land.

(j) Overthrowal of native leaders 

Due to the German colonial policy of direct rule, many native African leaders lost their power to German administrators. African leaders such as Mkwawa and Mifambo were replaced with Akidas and Jumbes. These Akidas and Jumbes were harsh to the African communities whom they considered backward and illiterate. Many Africans were not happy. They therefore joined the rebellion as a way of restoring their leaders.

Activity 9.5 

1. In pairs, research to find out more about Maji Maji rebellion. 

2. Prepare a report for presentation in class discussion.

9.2 Types of resistance 

Resistance can be divided into two groups. These are: 

(a) Active resistance 

(b) Passive resistance 

a)  Active resistance

It is also called armed resistance. It involved the use of arms against the colonisers. Examples of African leaders who actively resisted were: 

(i) Samoure Toure of Mandika 

(ii) Menelik II of Ethiopia

(iii) Kabalega of Bunyoro 

(iv) Kinjikitile Ngwale who led the Maji Maji rebellion 

b)  Passive resistance 

It refers to deliberate refusal by the Africans to cooperate with the colonisers. For example, the Pogoro of Tanzania refused to pick cotton.  Some African communities resisted by refusing to pay taxes. Passive resistance is also known as unarmed resistance or noncooperation.

Activity 9.6 

For each of the case studies above, identify the form of resistance used. Present your answer in form of  a table. 

Causes of resistance 

• African societies resisted because some of their traditional enemies had collaborated with the Europeans. Therefore, they could not join their rivals. For example, the Asante resisted because the Fante collaborated. Bunyoro also resisted because Buganda had collaborated. 

• Some African societies felt that they were militarily strong and could therefore defeat the Europeans. For example, King Kabalega of Bunyoro did not imagine that there was any force that could defeat his own army. 

• Other African communities had the desire to protect their trade monopolies and commercial prosperity. They wanted to protect their commercial benefits that they had gained from earlier trades. Examples of such communities are the Hehe and the Ngoni who had big influence in the long distance trade. 

• Africans wanted to protect their cultural practices and customs. They felt that Europeans were going to interfere with their culture and customs such as polygamy. The Europeans considered such practices primitive and barbaric. 

• Bad economic policies of Europeans such as forced labour, taxation and land alienation annoyed Africans. These policies made Africans to suffer, forcing them to resist. 

• Some African leaders were enlightened enough to realise the tricks and plans of Europeans in advance. This made them to resist straight away. 
For example, Menelik II of Ethiopia demanded writing of the treaty in two languages. 

• Africans resisted because they wanted to preserve political independence of their territories. The African leaders feared to lose their positions and power to the Europeans. 

• The influence of African traditional religion also contributed to the spirit of resistance in Africa. African traditional leaders preached to the people against the Europeans. They said that their gods were not happy because of the presence of foreigners on the African land. They also said that occurrence of natural calamities such as prolonged drought and diseases were caused by the whites. 

• Some African societies resisted because they were economically strong and required no assistance from the Europeans. For example, Samoure Toure had built a strong economy for Mandika Empire through trade. This made him feel that he did not need any support from the Europeans. 

• Nationalism was also another reason for resistance. Africans resisted because of a high spirit of nationalism for their societies and people. This forced them to fight foreigners who occupied their land. 

• Other Africans resisted because they were bandits and feared to be punished by colonial governments. For example, the Nandi had stolen materials for construction of the railway. They feared that they would be punished by the British in case they found. They opted to resist. 

Activity 9.7 

In pairs, identify seven points that may have been common to all leaders and communities who resisted. Explain your choices in a report to be presented before the class.

Effects of resistance

The effects of Africa resistance can be divided into both negative and positive as discussed below:

Negative effects of African resistance 

• Many of the Africans died of new diseases, such as small pox, that were brought over by the British. That was because the Africans had no immunity to these diseases.
• Often times the natives fought the British in battle in order to defend their way of life. Many people were lost to resisting the Europeans.

 • The demand for cash crops caused a shortage of food which led to starvation. Fertile land was taken by Europeans and the dry, unproductive land was left to Africans. It could not support crop growing. 

• Cultures and customs were broken down when traditional authority figures were replaced. 

• Homes and property were transferred to the authority of the British and the natives had little or no say in it. 

• Men were forced to leave their villages to support themselves and their family because there were no opportunities for high paying jobs because they were filled by the British 

• African culture was disrupted by the European culture through the educational system and spread of Christianity.  

• There was a division of African culture. Rivals were united while kinship and family members were split because of the artificial boundaries instated by the British. This caused a great amount of tension within regions. 

Positive effects of African resistance 

• As a result of African resistance, European colonialists put efforts to improve colonies and resulted in improved sanitation and education. 

• Hospitals, schools, and factories were built creating more jobs for the people of Africa and also the conditions of work improved because forced labour was abolished in some colonies like in Tanganyika after Maji Maji.

• The amount of local warfare was reduced greatly due to control of the African government by Europeans. This brought political stability in many African states. 

• Order and negative peace were brought to the colonies because the Europeans intensified security in their colonies after recognising that Africans had the potential to resist their rule. 

• The average life expectancy increased as a result of combined factors like improved health facilities, peace and order that were intensified after African resistance.
• Literacy rates rose because in very many African resistances, the Africans lost the battle and therefore had to succumb to the European civilisation including religion and education.

Methods of resistance 

(a) Use of armed resistance 

Some Africans took up arms against the colonialist. They faced the colonialists in battlefields. Examples of those who used armed resistance against colonialists are Maji Maji in Tanganyika, Nama-Herero in Namibia and Shona-Ndebele in Zimbabwe. 

(b) Strikes 

Africans in different countries demonstrated against colonialists due to colonial exploitation and harsh rule. Strikes included both peaceful and violent ones in places such as mines and plantations.

 (c) Boycotts

 Africans boycotted in the following manners: 

(i) Refusing to buy European goods 

(ii) Failing to attend European schools, churches and hospitals 

The aim of the boycotts was to ensure that Europeans made losses in their businesses. This was one way of forcing them to grant independence to Africans. 

(d) Formation political parties

Several African elites formed political parties such as African National Congress by Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana formed Conventional People’s Party. All acted as uniting factor for Africans to fight against colonial rule.

Activity 9.8 

Do a research about the contributions of Nelson Mandela and Dr Kwame Nkurumah to their respective countries. Summarise your fingings in point form. Present the findings in class.

        Fig. 9.6: Dr Kwame Nkurumah                 Fig. 9.7: Nelson Mandela (1909 - 1972)                                                  (1918 - 2013)

(e) Forming African Independent churches 

Africans also formed independent African churches such as Ethiopian, Messianic and Zionist churches. The churches cited exploitation in European led churches. They cited the following cases: 

(i) High baptism dues

(ii) Forced tithing 

(iii) Lack of promotion to high position of priest hood 

(f) Use of diplomacy 

This was a non-violent approach. Africans negotiated with Europeans for fairness in administration. They also wrote letters to colonial governments to grant Africans independence. A good example of a country which used diplomacy is Ghana. 

(g) Formation of trade unions 

These were labour organisations formed to help workers get fair pay and good treatment at work. Trade unions later acted as political parties and demanded for political independence. 

(i) Formation of Pan-Africanism 

This was an organisation that was formed by Africans in Africa and Africans in the Diaspora. It was formed by Dr Marcus Garvey and W.E.B Dubois. It called for speeding up the process for independence and agitated for ‘Africa for Africans’.
Activity 9.9 

1. Use internet and other resources to find out the full name of W.E.B Dubois. 

2. Research on the life histories of Dr Marcus Garvey and W.E.B Dubois.

                                             
                             Fig. 9.8: Dr Marcus Garvey                 Fig. 9.9: W.E.B Dubois        

                                     (1887 - 1940)                                      (1868 - 1963)

(i) Liberation wars 

There were also guerrilla movements started by Africans such as Jonas Savimbi of Angola. He formed MPLA (Popular Movement for Liberation of Angola) and Eduarde Mondlame founded FRELIMO (Front for Liberation of Mozambique) in Mozambique. All this pressurised colonial masters. 

Activity 9.10 

Carry out a research about Jonas Savimbi. Use internet and other resource materials. Present your findings to the class.
9.3 Forms of Collaboration The two forms of collaboration that Europeans and African leaders engaged in were:

(i) Mercenery collaboration 

(ii)   Career collaboration

Activity 9.11 

To understand the meaning of each form of collaboration, your teacher will provide you with two stories of leaders who collaborated. One will be of mercenery collaboration and the other of career collaboration. With reasons, identify each type of collaboration the leaders in the story were.

9.4 How Africans collaborated with European colonialists

Africans collaborated with Europeans in the following ways: 

a)  Signing treaties 

The most common way of African collaboration was by signing treaties. All these treaties were signed in favour and protection of European interests, for example, giving them authority over land. For example, the Lochner Treaty between Lewanika and British South Africa Company.

b)  Provision of labour

Africans also collaborated by providing labour on European farms and construction projects. Africans went ahead to mobilise fellow Africans to work on European farms. 

c)  Provision of accommodation 

Africans also collaborated by providing accommodation to the Europeans. They also guided them through the areas which they did not know, especially places that were not easy to locate. 

d)  Spread Christianity

Africans helped the Europeans to preach Christianity to fellow Africans. Christianity softened their hearts, thus attracting more collaborators. 

e)  Helping in interpretation 

African collaborators also served as interpreters to the European colonialists. Some active collaborators were taught the European languages. They went ahead to interpret to their counterparts who could not understand the languages. 

Reasons for African collaboration 

(a) Need for assistance against enemies 

African societies collaborated in order to get support from Europeans against their enemies. They expected to get military assistance from the Europeans, for example, Buganda against Bunyoro, and the Fante against the Asante. The Shona collaborated with the British so as to use them against the Ndebele. 

(b) Weak military 

Some other African societies were militarily weak. They realised that Europeans had better weapons and methods of fighting. They also feared to resist European rule since their resistance would not be successful. They
therefore decided to collaborate. Some communities chose friendship as a way of protecting their social, economic and political organisation. Examples include Mutesa I of Buganda, Maasai under Lenana, Rumanyika of Karagwe and Tukolor of the Lozi. 

(c) Natural calamities 

Natural calamities such as drought, famine and diseases also forced some African societies to collaborate. This is because they expected that collaboration with Europeans would be a solution to their problems. 

For instance, the Maasai had been weakened by smallpox, rinderpest and internal conflict. On the other hand, the Banyankole were affected by jiggers and rinderpest. They also feared more attacks from Rwanda and Bunyoro. Such societies were too weak to fight the British. They chose to collaborate to solve their problems. 

(d) Personal interest 

Some Africans collaborated because of personal interests and gains. They were opportunists and excepted rewards from the colonial governments. Others wanted to acquire wealth. They admired European goods such as clothes, beads, guns, mirrors and wine. On the other hand, others collaborated because they hoped to loot property after defeat of African resisters. An example is Luo support against the Nandi. They wanted high administrative posts. An example of such persons was Semei Kakungulu of Buganda. 

(e) Benefit from European openings 

Other Africans collaborated because they wanted to benefit from European trade (legitimate trade). They intended to acquire European manufactured goods such as guns, clothes and glasses. An example of such Africans was Jaja of Opobo. He collaborated with the French because of trade benefits at the coast of West Africa.

 (f) Influence of missionaries 

Another reason was the influence of missionaries. The missionaries had softened the hearts of Africans through their preaching. They used to say, “We were all created in God’s image. Love one another as you love yourself.” By the time European colonialists came, the Africans were ready to practise Christianity.

(g) Ignorance

 Africans collaborated due to ignorance of the real intentions of colonialists. They believed that the Europeans were visitors who were in Africa for a short while. Little did they know that they had come to stay. 

Lack of African nationalism

Lack of African nationalism was also a reason. Some Africans did not have nationalistic feelings. They therefore collaborated so as to fight fellow Africans whom they considered their enemies. 

(i) Effects of slave trade 

There was also the issue of effects of slave trade. African societies that were affected by slave trade collaborated because they wanted the Europeans to stop the trade.

(j) Desire for western civilisation

Some Africans collaborated with Europeans because they admired the Western culture and civilisation. 

(k) Succession disputes 

There were also some succession disputes. Some kings collaborated with Europeans in order to defeat their competitors. An example is King Lenana of Maasai who collaborated with the British in order to defeat his brother Sendeyo.

Buganda collaboration

Buganda was one of the largest, best organised and most powerful kingdoms in Eastern Africa in the 19th Century. The reaction of Buganda leaders to the establishment of colonial rule varied. Some resisted at one time but others collaborated at another time depending on circumstances. Kabaka Mutesa collaborated with the Europeans. He collaborated with the Europeans for the following reasons: 

• He wanted to use the Europeans to reduce the power and influence of the Muslims. In 1875, he invited European Christian missionaries to Buganda. They arrived in 1877 and built mission stations at the Kabaka’s capital. Soon rivalry developed between the Protestant and Catholic missionaries. Each group tried to have more influence over the Kabaka.

• Mutesa took advantage of this rivalry by playing one group against the other. He did this to ensure that none of the groups became powerful enough to undermine his power. 

• Mutesa also wanted to obtain maximum benefit from the Europeans. They tried to out do one another in the provision of educational and health facilities and in the supply of firearms to the Kabaka. They also helped the Kabaka to obtain trade goods from the coast.

Activity 9.12 

1. In groups, research to find out more about Buganda collaboration. 

2. Prepare a report for presentation in class discussion.

                             
                              Fig. 9.10: Kabaka Mutesa I (1837 - 1884) 

Maasai collaboration 

The Maasai were among the most powerful communities in Kenya during the first half of the 19th Century. They had a standing army due to their ageregiment system which ensured a steady supply of warriors. The Maasai even attacked Arab caravans who then began to avoid passing through their territory. 
In the late 19th Century, the British imperialists arrived and the Maasai response was surprisingly one of collaboration. The Maasai collaborated for the following reasons: 

• Maasai power had declined during the second half of the 19th Century. The power vacuum was filled by the Nandi. The Nandi raided and weakened the Maasai. With their power and wealth gone, they could not offer any resistance to the British invasion and occupation.

• The community experienced civil wars in the period between 1850 and 1870. In addition to this, there were succession disputes between Lenana and Sendeyo. Both were sons of Laibon Mbatian and the claimants to the throne. Lenana therefore sought British assistance to subdue his brother. Sendeyo was pushed southwards into northern Tanzania and Lenana thus became the undisputed Laibon of the Maasai. 

• During the second half of the 19th Century, the Maasai were weakened by natural calamities. These included a locust invasion, cholera epidemic, pleuro-pneumonia, small pox and rinderpest. They adversely affected the people and their livestock. 

• Towards the end of the 19th century, there was famine in Maasai land. Lenana therefore took some of his people to British forts and in Agikuyu land to save them from imminent death. After the famine he went to reclaim them. He found out that they had been sold to  slave dealers by the Agikuyu. He prepared to go to war against the Agikuyu but before he could do so, an incident occurred. In 1895, a caravan of Agikuyu traders and Swahili porters returning from Eldama Ravine were involved in a confrontation with the Maasai. The Maasai massacred 650 Agikuyu and Swahili porters. On hearing the news, a British trader, Andrew Dick, set forth with two French travellers and massacred 100 Maasai single handedly. The Maasai dreaded the military might of the Europeans and thus collaborated.

                      Fig. 9.11: Lenana and the British (1906)

• On the other hand, the Europeans sought Maasai cooperation to facilitate railway construction. They also hoped to use their morans (warriors) to subdue uncooperative people.

Activity 9.13 

Between resistance and collaboration, which one would you have preferred if you lived in the 19th Century? Give reasons for your choice.
Revision questions
1. Explain, with examples, how Africans responded to European colonialism. 

2. Describe the origins of Nama-Herero rebellion 1904-1907.

 3. Explain the causes of African resistance to colonial rule. 

4. Define the term collaboration.

5. Describe how Africans collaborated with European colonialists.