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Maji Maji Uprising in German East Africa 1905-1907

The native peoples of German East Africa (Tanzania) resented being forced to work for andpay taxes to their new masters from Europe. Native unrest increased when the German government started an ill-advised cotton-growing experiment at the expense of growing food crops. An African religious cult developed whose members believed that if they received special water, called maji, they would be immune to gunfire. Reinforced by this belief, the Africans revolted against the Germans. The uprising spread rapdily through the territory because the Germans were unprepared at first. In two years the rebellious Africans were fiercely crushed through hard military actions and scorched-earth tactics. An estimated 200,000 natives reportedly perished by hangin, shooting, starvation, and disease.
Last Update: December 16, 2000

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.