Active Action

in response to escalating tensions in the late 19th century, Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of the German Empire, took a bold step. He directly instructed the German Consul General in Cape Town to convey a decisive message to the British colonial authorities. The message was clear: the Angola-Bequina (Namibia) region was now under the protection of the German Empire.

This marked a pivotal moment in history — the birth of Germany's first overseas colony. Bismarck's maneuver was a strategic move aimed at securing Germany's position in the global geopolitical landscape.

Amidst this backdrop, the British Empire was flexing its imperial muscles across Africa. By 1882, the British had not only occupied Egypt and Sudan but had also firmly established control over South Africa, a territory originally acquired during the Anglo-Dutch War.

India, the jewel in the British crown, played a central role in the empire's global dominance. Crowned as the Emperor of India, Queen Victoria solidified India's position as the hegemonic foundation of the British Empire. Its dense population, abundant resources, and vast expanse made it a linchpin in the British imperial strategy, setting it apart from the less populated and harsher climates of territories like Canada, New Zealand, or Australia.

The post-World War periods witnessed the gradual development of British colonies such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Simultaneously, British businessmen were making inroads into territories like Ghana and Nigeria, expanding the empire's influence.

The Anglo-Portuguese alliance further extended British influence, bringing Portuguese colonies in Africa, including Angola and Mozambique, into the British sphere of influence. As a result, economically valuable regions in Africa were predominantly under British control, leaving other nations with only marginal territories.

For instance, French North Africa, though vast, lacked economic value due to the harsh conditions of the Sahara Desert. However, amidst this imperialistic scramble, the British and Portuguese turned their attention to the Congo River basin in central Africa, prompting concerns and apprehensions from Germany and France.

In response, the need for unity among European nations against British expansionism became apparent. Constantine, a key figure in this complex geopolitical landscape, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the urgency of collective action. Queen Olga, quick to spot potential hurdles, questioned the feasibility of France, still nursing wounds from the Franco-Prussian War, aligning with Germany against British interests.

Constantine, drawing on historical events like the Three Emperors' League and Bismarck's nuanced approach towards French colonial expansion, proposed a collaborative effort. This strategy aimed at leveraging historical grievances to forge an alliance against British dominance.

Recognizing the necessity for proactive measures, Constantine suggested protesting to the British government through the Congolese Commission in London. This move aimed at challenging the unilateral decision on Congo's ownership and asserting the rightful role of the Congolese Commission as the de jure (Latin meaning by law) administrator of the Congo River Basin.

However, skepticism arose within the audience regarding the efficacy of such protests. The dignified British Empire, they argued, might dismiss the grievances of a private organization. The challenge was significant — it was akin to a man trying to move a car with his bare hands, seemingly beyond his capabilities.

As tensions heightened, the United Kingdom's recognition of Portugal's ownership of the Congo River mouth prompted swift reactions. Germany and France, feeling encroached upon, protested the British government's actions. On February 13, the German government made an official declaration, designating Togo and Cameroon as protectorates of the German Empire.

This development underscored the intensifying competition among European nations for control over African territories. The stakes were high, and the continent became a battleground for imperial ambitions, setting the stage for a complex and multifaceted geopolitical struggle.