Visits to the German Colonialism Exhibition

9th and 10th grades – 24-31.03.17

As part of our social studies unit “the Scramble for Africa”, the 9th and 10thgrades visited a temporary exhibition in the German History Museum (DHM) that examines various aspects of German Colonialism in Africa, China and the South Pacific. This is the first major exhibition in Berlin to examine this period in German History (circa 1884-1918) and as such has been the subject of considerable debate.

On the tours, students were shown a myriad of artifacts that exemplified the nature of German rule in their colonies and shed light on what is now considered the first Genocide of the 20th century – that of the Herero and Namaqua peoples, in what is modern-day Namibia. One of the most interesting aspects of the tour were insights the guides gave us into the thought process behind the presentation of many of the items on display.

Some students were so impressed that they decided to write a letter to the Berlin Senate to argue for a permanent exhibition in Berlin!