European Contact
The history of Tanzania dealing and trading with outsiders dates back to Roman Empire. The location of the country brought it into contact with several civilizations over the years. The most important of those powers was that of Portugal, in 1498, when Vasco da Gama was the first to European to visit. He was quite interested in the natural resources, the location of the country itself as a via trade hub for East Asia, but more importantly for the slave trade. Vasco da Gama would end up staying for over a month before pressing on making detailed notes of the region. In 1505, the Portuguese returned and captured the island of Zanzibar. The Portuguese would remain influential in Tanzania until the 18th century when the Sultan of Oman would eventually take control of Zanzibar.
The Persians and Ottomans would dominate the area of eastern Africa for almost 60 years. Several European powers began exploring the interior of Africa starting around 1850, and would eventually start to establish principal interests in the region. In 1885, German East Africa (Now present day Tanzania) was established after meeting with local tribal chiefs and a council of European powers. During this time frame there was a strong crusade against slavery across the world. The Sultan who still controlled Zanzibar was a proponent of slavery, which led to tension with the European powers. Germany was no exception to this and established their territory outside of Zanzibar. The Germans were not completely against slavery, but strongly curbed its usage in the region.
There was strong resistance to German colonization of the region. Several tribal chiefs pledged loyalty to the Germans, but there were a few who didn't such as the Hehe tribe. Resistance lasted for a couple of years but was eventually put down. A major outbreak of violence broke out in 1905 with the Maji Maji Rebellion. Plagued by droughts, famine, and heavy taxes, the local people rebelled against German rule. The loss of life and the tactics used by Germans was ruthless, but eventually the rebellion was crushed in 1907.
The Germans would continue to control German East Africa until the end of WWI. The treaty of Versailles would strip Germany of control would initially offer it to Norway, but they refused, however Britain would take over control and form the area in Tanganyika in 1919. The British would control the region for roughly 40 years before helping implement a local government that would eventually become the United Republic of Tanzania.
Arab Contact
The influence the Arabs had on the people of Tanzania is still felt today. Located off the eastern coast of Africa, the people of Tanzania were ideal trading partners for the people of the Persian Gulf region. The trade winds of the Indian Ocean would bring seasonal traders to the lucrative coasts of Tanzania for several years. Thanks to the location and trading with these people, Islam started being practiced throughout the region starting in the 9th century. The influence and control of the trading routes helped form an extension of the silk road that would last until the Portuguese muscled their way into the region in 1498. The area was still influenced by Persian and Ottoman people, but it wasn't until the early 1800s that Arab control was reestablished. The lucrative market of gold and slaves, made the coastal region, particularly of Zanzibar, a high interest area of commerce. The sultan was a strong advocate of the slave trade and would eventually the Ottomans would become a target for advocates against slavery. This would lead to tensions with the European powers that were trying to expand their influence into the continent of Africa.
Impacts
The influence that was placed upon Tanzania were felt when these external powers were in control of the region. The Portuguese helped establish trade routes with inland Africa extending to the Congo and the rest of Europe with their superior sailing technology. The Arabs brought religion and commerce to the region, and helped establish a trading hub in Zanzibar that is still present today. The British helped modernize inland Tanzania with the development of transportation, and helped establish the present day government of the country. Each power had its own reasons for establishing a power base in Tanzania. The Portuguese were trying to expand their influence without the usual means of conquest from the European powers. The Germans were trying to keep pace with the rest of Europe in the Age of Imperialism. The Arabs were trying to economically control the region. Each had their own reasons for getting involved in Tanzania, and in the long run would help change the country for the better.
Resources
Iliffe, John. A Modern History of Tanganyika. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1979.
Kimambo, Isaria N., and A. J. Temu. A History of Tanzania. Nairobi: Published for the Historical Association of Tanzania East African Pub. House, 1969.
Mbogoni, Lawrence E.Y. Aspects of Colonial Tanzania History. Dar-es-Salaam: Mkuki Na Nyota Publishers, 2013.
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