Colonial Violence in Southern Africa at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

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In addition to providing basic historical context, this chapter examines mutual perceptions of British and German colonialism before 1914. Pervasive stereotypes shaped general perceptions of various types of colonial rule, giving a prejudiced view of other colonial powers. Moreover, this chapter explains the fundamental issue discussed in the book: colonial violence in German South West Africa. It discusses how German colonial methods were perceived by British and South African actors and how they were the result of trans-imperial transfers and inspiration. Indeed, the concentration camps used by the Germans in the genocide of the Herero and Nama were directly inspired by the British usage of such camps during the South African War (1899–1902) although with different application and purpose.KeywordsColonial violenceGenocideConcentration campsTransnational historyGerman SouthWest Africa