A Deterritorialized History: Investigating German Colonialism ...

In addition to these complex economic motivations, there were several
international political considerations that indicated the potential advantages of a colonial
policy. While the other European powers had earlier grasped pieces of Africa, Germany
stood idly by. But in 1884, with a favourable economic and political climate, it was
Germany’s chance to acquire colonies. Bismarck realized that no other powers desired
Angra Pequeña; consequently he decided to extend German protection over Lüderitz’s
trading post. If no other European nations desired the colonies, Bismarck could avoid
antagonizing the other European powers while simultaneously acquiring potential
bargaining chips for future European negotiations. But was this the dominant
motivation? The thesis that Bismarck was a covert colonialist from the beginning for
international reasons is advanced by Townsend and Taylor. However, these arguments
have subsequently been effectively challenged by William Aydelotte. 52 Alternately, H.P.
Merritt argues that Germany’s expanding interest in Africa was largely a product of
Bismarck’s own beliefs in the protection of commerce. 53 Nevertheless, the possession of
the protectorates did establish a place for Germany in the new global diplomacy.
European relations were also strengthened by the British support for German concessions
since the German territory acted as a hedge against French claims.
Though the benefits of colonial expansion were present in international politics,
they were even more clearly evident in domestic politics. H. Pogge von Strandmann and
Wehler assert that domestic political elements motivated the acquisition. 54 Many then, as
now, believed Bismarck’s colonial plans were solely aimed at domestic concerns: even
Bismarck’s Senior Councillor Friedrich von Holstein quoted Bismarck as saying: “[a]ll
this colonial business is a sham, but we need it for elections.” 55 Public opposition to
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