# German Colonial Empire (1884)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1884-german-colonial-empire
Location: Africa and the Pacific
Categories: main-event

In 1884 Germany declared protectorates over South West Africa, Togo and Cameroon, later adding East Africa and Pacific islands. Bismarck hosted the Berlin Conference on Africa in 1884-1885. Germany lost all colonies after World War I.

## Why it matters
It began Germany's short and violent colonial history.

Ruler at the time: [Wilhelm I](https://germany-history.com/rulers/wilhelm-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – German colonial empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_colonial_empire)
- [Wikipedia – Berlin Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Conference)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Berlin Conference](https://www.britannica.com/event/Berlin-West-Africa-Conference)