Page:The History of The Great European War Vol 1.pdf/87

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of view of settlement under the national flag of German emigrants. So, to conclude our remarks upon this aspect of the subject, it must be pointed out that these three objects having failed, the final object itself of Pan-Germanism also necessarily failed so far as it was involved in colonial policy.

The colonies themselves should now be enumerated in some slight detail, as in view of the war they may become, as some already have become, the scene of operations, and in the end, as the fortune of war may determine, may be lost to the German Empire or others added to them.

Perhaps it is fitting to start with Togoland, for that colony passed into the occupation of Britain within a few weeks after the commencement of the war. As already stated, it was one of the smallest units in the German colonial empire and was also the only German colony which paid its way. From the point of view of the war, however, the colony had a particular importance to Germany.

Kiau-chau was another overseas possession of the Kaiser which should be mentioned early, by reason of the fact that its existence as a German naval fortress and base was the cause of Japan joining in the war. Japan was an ally of Great Britain, her especial duty being to assist in the maintenance of peace in the Far East. Germany being busy with warlike preparations against this country, and her armed vessels cruising the seas of Eastern Asia threatening the commerce both of Japan and of Britain, Japan regarded the peace of the Far East as thus being placed in jeopardy and so found herself compelled to declare war against Germany. She at once attacked this stronghold. Kiau-chau is situated on the east coast of the Province of Shantung, covering an area of 200 square miles. It had been under German administration since 1889 on a lease of 999 years granted by China. There was a mixed population of 169,000, and the chief town,Tsingtau, had a garrison of 3,125, composed of German marines and Chinese soldiers. Being a naval and military station, Germany did more for its development than for any other of her colonies. It was Europeanised with a characteristic Prussian determination quite regardless of cost. Its trade, which is comparatively insignificant, was especially encouraged; great defensive works were erected; a university for Chinese students was established; and so a fine town eventually took the place of a miserable handful of hovels. Millions were spent on the place, and more than £400,000 a year was the amount of its Imperial subsidy.

In the Pacific Ocean Germany had Kaiser-Wilhelmsland, in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, the Marschall Islands,