Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty
Heligoland, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
What happened
Germany's Chancellor Leo von Caprivi and British diplomats signed the treaty in Berlin. Britain and Germany were competing for land and influence in Africa. Germany received the small North Sea island of Heligoland and a strip of land giving its colony in South West Africa access to the Zambezi River. In return Germany recognised British control over Zanzibar and other areas in East Africa.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Heligoland helped Germany guard the approaches to the Kiel Canal. Britain strengthened its hold on East Africa.
What came next
Britain declared a protectorate over Zanzibar at once. In 1896 the short Anglo-Zanzibar War followed.
Did you know?
The poet who wrote the words of Germany's national anthem wrote them on Heligoland in 1841.
Timeline
- 14 January 1814Denmark hands Heligoland to Britain.
- 1 July 1890The Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty is signed.
- 27 August 1896Anglo-Zanzibar War.