Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
History of Rwanda Timeline
1
History of Rwanda
By: Fiona Truong
Before the Scramble of Africa
Before the Scramble of Africa
Two main groups resided in Rwanda, the Hutus and the Tutsis. Approximately 85% of the population was of the Hutus, the remaining 15% of the population was of the Tutsis people. Among the population, there was also a tiny population of the Twa. Traditionally, the Tutsis held powerful positions, and the Hutus were laborers. The Hutus social status was considered lower than the Tutsis, but they coexisted peacefully. Rwandans believed that there was a clear distinction between the two.
1899, during the scramble for Africa
Germany claimed Rwanda as it's colony. Identity cards were distributed by German colonial officials to separate the two groups. The Tutsis were assigned significant positions in the colony as the Germans perceived that they were more like Europeans than the Hutus; giving the Tutsis the right to a higher status.
1899
Post Germany's defeat in World War I
After Germany's loss in World War I
Until Rwanda gained independence, Belgium was given Rwanda by the countries that negotiated the peace treaty. The Tutsi were still given significant positions by the Belgians. Identification cards were also incorporated, to distinguish between the Tutsis and Hutus. Tutsi chiefs were practically given complete power. The Belgians deemed the Tusis as superior against the Hutus politically, economically, and socially.
1950's
Decolonization was spread quickly across Africa. Rwandan society started to fall apart; the Tutis desired for independence without Belgian control. The Hutus wanted social changes. A new political leader appeared from the socially abused, the slogan "Hutu Power" was used. In 1959, the Hutus became frustrated regarding inequality and started violent riots against the Tutis. The government control was annexed, indicating the first time that the two groups became political rivals