German Southwest Africa

German Southwest Africa was a German colony established in what is now Namibia, from 1884 to 1915. It was part of Germany’s efforts to expand its overseas empire, primarily involved in mining, agriculture, and trade. The territory included diverse landscapes, from deserts to savannahs. The colonization period was marked by conflicts with indigenous peoples, notably the Herero and Nama, leading to severe repression and the tragic Herero and Namaqua Genocide. After Germany's defeat in World War I, the territory was mandated to South Africa by the League of Nations, transitioning from German to South African control.