Tanganyika (territory) facts for kids
Tanganyika was a large area in Africa. It was managed by Great Britain from 1916 until 1961. This territory was very similar to the main part of Tanzania today. It included the Island of Mafia but not the islands of Zanzibar or Pemba.
Before 1916, Tanganyika was part of a bigger German colony. This colony was called German East Africa. The name "Tanganyika" came from Lake Tanganyika. This large lake is on the western border of the territory. In 1961, Tanganyika became independent. It then joined with Zanzibar and Pemba to form the country of Tanzania.
Contents
What Was Tanganyika?
Tanganyika was a territory in East Africa. It was controlled by the British for many years. This means the British government made the rules and managed the land. The territory was quite large. It covered a big part of what we now know as mainland Tanzania.
How It Was Formed
Before World War I, a country called Germany controlled this area. They called it German East Africa. After Germany lost the war, the land was divided. The League of Nations, an international group, gave control of Tanganyika to Great Britain. This happened in 1922. The British then managed Tanganyika as a "mandate" territory. This meant they were supposed to help it prepare for independence.
Life Under British Rule
During the time the British managed Tanganyika, they built roads and railways. They also helped develop farming. Many people in Tanganyika worked in agriculture. They grew crops like coffee, cotton, and sisal. The British also set up schools and hospitals. However, the local people had little say in how their land was governed.
Journey to Independence
After World War II, many African countries started to seek freedom. People in Tanganyika also wanted to govern themselves. A strong leader named Julius Nyerere helped lead this movement. He formed a political party. This party worked peacefully to gain independence.
Becoming a New Nation
On December 9, 1961, Tanganyika became an independent country. Julius Nyerere became its first leader. This was a very important day for the people of Tanganyika. They were finally in charge of their own future.
Joining with Zanzibar
A few years later, in 1964, Tanganyika joined with the nearby islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. These islands had also gained their independence. Together, they formed a new country. They combined their names to create "Tanzania." This new country has been a republic ever since.
