1. Imperialism and its Legacy
Rwanda
Imperialism and its Legacy

2. History of Imperialism
First colonized by Germans in 1890s
Rwandan leaders agreed to peacefully become part of German East Africa
Belgians took over after WWI
In 1962 Belgians gave independence to country because of pressure from the United Nations
Under the Belgians, the Tutsi ethnic group retained power over the Hutu ethnic group

3. Two main ethnic groups in Rwanda
Tutsi
Hutu
Oversaw social “caste system” designed to oppress the Hutu majority
Minority group that had the power
Were viewed as “unequal” or “less than” by both the Tutsis and the Belgians
Demanded change

4. Long-term effects of Imperialism
Belgians left Tutsis in charge
Hutus rebelled against Tutsis
Civil war between two groups
Genocide against the Tutsis

5. Rwanda Today
Economic reforms have stabilized country since 1999 increasing imports & exports
International criminal court trying leaders of genocide for crimes against humanity
Recipient of international aid
Trying to expand electricity grid

6. Rwanda Today Increase in transportation systems
Returning to normalcy after genocide
Government designed to prevent any one ethnic group from getting too much power
Rebuilding national parks and gorilla protection programs