19th Century

Questions about colonialism

There are a number of European countries which are confronted with consequences of their colonial past: Germany faces Herero charges and calls for reparation. Great Britain has created the Commonwealth of Nations to keep connected with their colonies, but does this prevent problems? What about immigration?

France: What happened to people who worked for the colonial administration in Algeria, once independence was achieved? Immigration from the Maghreb and other African countries turned France into a multiethnic and multireligious nation. France was a Nation before other countries even considered Nationalism – united by a common language, a common origin ( Gaul with its proud Celtic background colonised only by the Romans, defeated by Asterix and Obelix) and one religion: Catholicism (remember the eviction of Hugenots). How does France cope with its claim to be „la Grande Nation“ nowadays? French troups are present in many African countries for peacekeeping missions- what other purpose do they serve?

International Law has changed considerably since the end of WW2 – colonies became independent long ago – what was considered legal at a certain time can be considered a crime today. How do we have to deal with this heritage? Can a former colony, an ethnic group or a people file charges against a country, an administration which is the successor of a former colonial power? When the Herero ask for money from Germany, do they have to talk to the heirs of Emperor William II or to Chancellor Merkel? When Greece asks for justice for the survivor of massacres perpetrated by Wehrmacht and SS during German occupation in WW2 – does modern Germany have to pay? What do you think?

two videos about Germany’s Imperialism…