Rwanda
Uploaded by phatkok2 on May 11, 2002
As the universe progresses so do different societies and civilizations. From the beginning of mankind there have been many positive and negative changes. We have seen uproar of conflict within nations and boundaries. This change has been seen evident in countries other than just the United States, from coast to coast, continent to continent, war and struggle is noticeable. Progress is evident in countries from their period of colonization to their struggle for independence and struggle in the political arena. The following paper will focus on the struggle and hardships of two distinct countries: Rwanda and Mexico, countries in search for the power, recognition and independence necessary for them to grow and prosper.
Growth and prosperity are desirable by all, whether a small country or big country. The Republic of Rwanda a small country in Central Africa, located east of Democratic Republic of the Congo has been able to somewhat overcome major challenges. To better understand Rwanda, focus shall be on the history of the country, which will include the colonization era, the fight for independence and the out come of the country. The struggle for independence for some countries is harder than that of others.
Rwanda a small country of about 7,800,000 has had major set backs and obstacles to overcome. Rwanda is compelled of three ethnic groups of which only two will be spoken about. The Hutus, who compromise the majority of the population (85%) , are farmers of Bantu origin. The Tutsis (14%) are pastoral people who arrived in the area in the 15th century. The Tutsi established a monarchy headed by a mwami (king) and a feudal hierarchy of Tutsi nobles and gentry. Through a contract known as ubuhake, the Hutu farmers pledged their services and those of their descendants to a Tutsi lord in return for the loan of cattle and use of pastures and arable land. Prior to WW1 Rwanda was named Ruanda-Urandi, a territory occupied by Belgium. After WW1 the League of Nations mandated Belgium to administer Rwanda and in 1946 the country became a Belgium trust territory under the United Nations. During 40 years of Belgium administration, as under most colonial dispensations, we observe the disintegration, distortion or bastardization of indigenous social and political structures and consequences.
Until 1959, the Tutsis formed the dominant caste under a feudal system based on cattleholding. In 1959, three years before independence, the majority ethnic group, the...