Human Porterage and Colonial State Formation in German East Africa, 1880s1914

More about the book

The book examines the critical role of caravan transport and human porters in German East Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting the paradox of colonial administrators who sought to abolish caravan use while relying heavily on porters. It addresses themes of African resilience, labor recruitment, and the instability of colonial infrastructure, revealing how porters and caravan entrepreneurs influenced colonial policies. This study offers fresh insights for historians of the German Empire, African history, and transport infrastructure.