The two examples of resistance against the institutional development of colonial capitalism had many obvious similarities. To a large extent the causes, aims and organization of the First Chimurenga 1896-97 and the Maji-Maji revolts 1905-07 were similar although the differences were important.
The following similarities can be noted for the facts raised in chapter 21:




The basic causes of both revolts were fundamentally similar. They were all against capitalism that is capitalist exploitation of their labour for the benefit of European settlers. They were also against alien rule and loss of independence.

Both saw immediate causes as intensification of relations of production along with use of cruelty and humiliating punishments. This was evidenced by the introduction in 1894 of the Native Department in Southern Rhodesia. European control is also seen spreading in both areas. It is also clear that both settler colonies used forced labour. In Southern Rhodesia it was used in both mining and agriculture. In Germany East Africa there was increased force in picking cotton.

Both revolts were based on traditional leadership backed by religious spirit mediums aiming at a return to precolonial times. The two revolts were led by chiefs and senior lineages. Also crystally clear is that there was close link between the altar and crown. This is shown by the political religious role of Mwari and Kalelo cult leaders giving the two revolts the rationale of ideology.




Also to be noted is the fact that the two revolts began among one ethnic group and then spread to others. The other parallel is the fact that two thirds of the Shona in Southern Rhodesia and Hehe in Southern Tanzania did not join the fight against the aliens.

Not to be ignored is another obvious similarity that is the fact that the method of warfare by the African fighters. The Ngoni and Ndebele were the same not only in terms of origina but also in terms of their traditional weapons. The two Nguni groups from different colonies also attacked isolated white targets.

The two uprisings only made the colonizer more determined than before. An intensification of European control is seen. In Southern Rhodesia a railway line was constructed to Bulawayo for economic as well as military reasons. The leaders of the uprisings were executed in both situations. Britain with holding of tax increases in Southern Rhodesia whilst on the other hand Germany sent symphathetic governors.

A number of differences can also be noted:

While accepting the role of capitalism, it must be realized that colonial rule in German East Africa was much more indirect than in Southern Rhodesia, thus affecting the nature of colonial experience. This is evidenced by the direct rule by the British South Africa company in Southern Rhodesia. In German East Africa, there were more groups beyond European control particularly away from the coast.




The immediate causes were very different. The Ndebele rose in much 1896, taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the Jameson Raid. Matumbi rose due to increased control and coercion.

Organisation can also be noted, particularly methods of creating unity. The Maji-Maji leaders organized a traditional oathing system to create secrecy and unity. The First Chimurenga had no such systems. In the Maji- Maji, religious leaders actually ran the revolt at first but if Cobbing and Beach are to be believed, this was not the case in Southern Rhodesia.

The main military difference was that the Maji- Maji believed Maji would protect them. The people believed that Maji (medicine) would turn bullets into water.

The immediate responses were very different-i.e. by the colonizers. The British tried to prevent fulltime famine and revenge. Germans used scorched earth policy and aimed to revenge the deaths by spreading starvation in German East African communities.




In conclusion, both revolts sprang out of widespread despair and anger at erosion of traditional economies and political structures as well as replacement by exploitative capitalism. It seemed the only way out of stopping such developments was to drive Europeans out of Africa. Ultimately, as in all other areas of Africa, apart from Ethiopia, the weapons or technology gap ensured European success.