German Colonialism refers to the period when the German Empire established overseas colonies from the late 19th century until the end of World War I. Key territories included parts of Africa, such as Tanzania, Namibia, and Cameroon, as well as islands in the Pacific, like New Guinea and Samoa. This expansion was driven by economic interests and national prestige. The colonial era was marked by exploitation and conflict, as the German authorities sought to extract resources and impose their culture on indigenous populations. The harsh treatment of local communities, particularly in Namibia during the Herero and Namaqua Genocide, has left a lasting impact on the region's history and relations.