German colonialism

German colonialism refers to the period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Germany established colonies in Africa, the Pacific, and China. Seeking to assert its power and compete with other European nations, Germany acquired territories like present-day Namibia, Tanzania, and Cameroon. German rule often involved exploitation of local resources, harsh treatment of indigenous populations, and the establishment of economic systems favoring Germany. The colonial era ended after World War I when Germany lost its colonies as part of the Treaty of Versailles, leading to a re-evaluation of colonialism's impacts on both Germany and the affected regions.