notes: rwanda. geography rwanda is a landlocked country it is located in eastern africa most densely...
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Notes: Rwanda
Geography
Rwanda is a landlocked country
It is located in eastern AfricaMost densely populated
country in Africa
Religion (approx.)
75% Christian25% traditional religions1-2% Muslim
People of Rwanda
Hutu (~80% of population) Were traditionally farmers in Rwandan society
Tutsi (~20%) Were traditionally cattle farmers. Because cattle were a measure of wealth, this made the Tutsis a kind of upper class.
An Important Note about these groups….
These titles/groups were based on occupation, not ethnicity
Hutus and Tutsis speak the same language, share the same culture
Intermarriage occurred People could go from being a Hutu to
being a Tutsi (or vice versa) by simply changing their occupation.
History of Rwanda
1890
Rwanda is colonized by Germany
1919
Belgium begins to rule Rwanda
1919-1962
During these 40 yrs, the Belgians created a strict class system.
Tutsis became upper class—they were given better education, better jobs, and power in gov’t
Hutus were not treated as well as the Tutsis
This caused feelings of resentment
The Belgian colonial government issued ID cards to Rwandans that identified them as either Hutu or Tutsi
1962
Belgium granted independence to Rwanda
Before Belgium left, they turned over their power to the Hutus.
The Hutus used their power to seek revenge on the Tutsis for their years of lower class status.
Every problem in Rwanda was blamed on the Tutsis
1990-93
Tensions between Hutus and Tutsis continue to flare up
1993
Rwanda’s president (a Hutu) agrees to share some government power with Tutsis
Hutus begin rioting in protest
April, 1994
Rwanda’s president is killed when his plane is shot down
Violence immediately erupts in the capital city of Kigali
April-July, 1994
A planned attackLists of NamesRadio Broadcast
April-July 1994
An estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus are killed in approx. 100 days.
Weapon of choice=macheteGenocide or Civil War???
To Review….To Review….
HUTUSHUTUS
The majority
The peasant masses
Started revolution
TUTSISTUTSIS
The minority
Represented the aristocratic upper class
Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)
BELGIUMBELGIUM
Rwanda was a colony of Belgium from 1919-1962
Part of the UN- thus agreed to follow the 1948 document that called for the prevention of Genocide.
UNITED STATESUNITED STATES
The most powerful country in the world
Often helps out countries in crisisPart of the UN- thus agreed to
follow the 1948 document that called for the prevention of Genocide.