Hendrik Witbooi (Namaqua Chief) - German Conflicts

German Conflicts

On 12 April 1893, while they were still sleeping, very early in the morning, the /Khowese people were attacked by the Germans at Hornkranz. Nearly all of the women and children were massacred, although Hendrik managed to escape with most of his fighting men. He campaigned against the Germans for two years, until the treaty of Gurus, 15 September 1894 where he agreed to a conditional surrender, and also to render military support for the Germans, later against other smaller tribes, like the eastern Mbanderu Herero, Afrikaners, Swartbooi's, etc.

During the war with the Germans in 1904-1905, Witbooi rallied his people with the conviction God had guided them to fight for their freedom from the imperialists.

On 3 October 1904, after serving as a branch of the German army fighting against the Herero for the last three years, Witbooi and the Nama revolted against German rule in Namibia.

Witbooi was killed in action on 29 October 1905, near Vaalgras, near Koichas. His dying request was: "It is enough. The children should now have rest." He was replaced by Fransman Nama until the Nama surrendered in 1908.

Read more about this topic:  Hendrik Witbooi (Namaqua Chief)

Famous quotes containing the words german and/or conflicts:

    By an application of the theory of relativity to the taste of readers, to-day in Germany I am called a German man of science, and in England I am represented as a Swiss Jew. If I come to be regarded as a bĂȘte noire the descriptions will be reversed, and I shall become a Swiss Jew for the Germans and a German man of science for the English!
    Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

    What instances must pass before them of ardent, disinterested, self-denying attachment, of heroism, fortitude, patience, resignation—of all the conflicts and the sacrifices that enno ble us most. A sick room may often furnish the worth of volumes.
    Jane Austen (1775–1817)