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GERMAN POLICE IN TOGO
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GERMAN POLICE IN TOGO
A German-controlled native African police troup, the Haussars in Lome, Togo, West Africa. Date: 1930s
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Media ID 20157891
© Bubblepunk
Controlled Imperialism Lome Pith Togo Troup
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This evocative photograph captures the scene of the German-controlled native African police troup, known as the Haussars, in Lome, Togo during the 1930s. The image showcases a line of Haussars, all wearing pith helmets and uniforms adorned with German insignia, standing at attention. Their stern expressions and military posture convey a sense of discipline and order, reflecting the political climate of German imperialism in West Africa at the time. The Haussars were a significant component of the German colonial administration in Togo, which was established in 1884. The German government sought to assert its control over the region by establishing a strong military presence and implementing a system of indirect rule through local chiefs. The Haussars, made up of African recruits, were used to maintain order, collect taxes, and enforce German laws. The use of native African police troups was a common practice among European colonial powers in Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It allowed for the maintenance of a large and relatively inexpensive military force, while also providing opportunities for local men to serve in positions of authority and gain some measure of economic and social advancement. However, the use of native police troups also raised complex ethical and political questions. Critics argued that it perpetuated a system of unequal power and exploitation, as African recruits were often subjected to harsh training and treatment, and were used to enforce policies that benefited European colonizers at the expense of local populations. Despite these controversies, the Haussars continued to play a key role in the German colonial administration in Togo until the end of World War II. This photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of German imperialism in Africa, and highlights the complex and often contradictory dynamics of colonial rule.
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