Noon Misma Talks - Presentation by Douglas Mudd
Introduction
- Event: Noon Misma Talks, held every second and fourth Thursday at Noon Mountain.
- Presenter: Douglas Mudd, Curator Director at the American Numismatic Association, Edward C. Rocha Money Museum in Colorado Springs.
- Topic: Colonial Currency and German East Africa.
East Africa Historical Context
- Arab Influence: East Africa was initially colonized by Arab slave traders, who spread Islam across regions.
- Trade Items: Slaves and ivory were major trade items.
- Currency Background: Cowrie shells, Indian rupees, and Maria Theresa Thalers were used as currency.
European Involvement
- Missionaries and Explorers: The Church Mission Society and explorers such as Richard Burton, John Speake, David Livingstone, and H.M. Stanley were active in the region.
- Berlin Conference (1884-85): European powers divided Africa, disregarding existing tribal boundaries.
- German East Africa: Included parts of modern Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, claimed by Germany in 1885.
German Colonization
- German East Africa Company: Formed to exploit resources, established trade treaties with local chiefs.
- Colonial Administration: Direct control established by Germany in 1891 after native uprisings.
- Economic Development: Plantations, railroads, and ports built; cash crops like sisal, coffee, rubber, and cotton cultivated.
Currency Development
- Initial Coinage: Pesa coin established by the German East Africa Company, later replaced by a rupee tied to the German mark.
- Government Coins: From 1904, coins featured Wilhelm II; included rupees and heller (decimalized currency).
- Paper Currency: Issued by Deutsche Ostafrikanische Bank, with notes featuring local scenes and Kaiser Wilhelm II.
World War I and German East Africa
- Von Lettow-Vorbeck: German military leader conducted guerrilla warfare against Allied forces, became renowned for his tactics.
- Königsberg Incident: German cruiser involved in regional warfare, ultimately scuttled but its guns used by German forces.
Emergency Currency and Coinage
- Wartime Coinage: Coins minted from shell casings and local resources like gold during shortages.
- Interim Banknotes: Emergency notes produced locally due to shortages, known as "bush notes".
Post-War and Legacy
- Von Lettow-Vorbeck’s Legacy: Known for his fair treatment of native Askaris, resisted Nazi regime.
- Colonial Remembrance: German notgeld issued in 1920s commemorated colonial history.
- Askaris Compensation: Surviving soldiers received back pay decades later as recognition for service.
Conclusion
- Doug Mudd’s Insights: Emphasizes the integration of numismatic history with broader historical context and stories.
- Q&A Highlights: Discussion on the T mint mark used during wartime in Tabora.
These notes provide a comprehensive overview of Douglas Mudd's presentation on the numismatic and historical aspects of German East Africa. They capture the key points discussed and offer insights into the region's complex colonial past.