Author: -

Abstract: »South West Africa, now Namibia, underwent a radical transformation under German colonization. From 1884 to 1915, the region was under German rule as a colonial ‘protectorate.’ Systematic land theft was carried out with indescribable brutality and marked the end of the ‘traditional’ ways of life of the indigenous ethnic groups, especially the nomadic or semi-nomadic Herero and Nama. The reign of terror reached its tragic climax in 1904 with the implementation of Lothar von Trotha’s extermination order against the Herero and Nama – an atrocity that would not be officially recognised as genocide by the Federal Republic of Germany until 2021. Historical novels and films play an important role in conveying historical events (Aust 1994; Timm 2015). However, the fates of women occupy relatively little space in these works. This aspect will be explored using selected examples. A comparative analysis of the representation of colonial violence against women will demonstrate the contribution of literature to the reappraisal of German colonial history. Furthermore, the question will be raised as to the extent to which literary works and films can serve as a means of communication within academic, educational, and media discourses.« (Source: Acta Germanica)

Wikipedia: History of Africa: History of Namibia / German South West Africa | History of Europe: History of Germany / German Empire | Literature: Historical fiction | Sex and the law: Sexual violence