History of Togo Final

Introduction

The history of Togo has been greatly influenced by outsiders. Throughout history, the Togolese have lived a relatively simple life but beginning in 1847 following their first contact with Europeans, their lives began to grow increasingly more complex.^[1] Like most other African nations, Togo experienced a period where it endured colonization, which was its most overt interaction with non-natives but the Togolese also saw interactions in other ways as well. Foreigners, notably Europeans, have played a significant role in the history of Togo in the areas of borders, natural resources and trade, and religion - especially in missions.

"HISTORY OF TOGO." HISTORY OF TOGO. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ad42.

National Borders

            One of the most direct ways that Togo was influenced by outside forces was through the creation of their national borders. Because they were colonized by the Germans in 1885, the Togolese surrendered control over their own land. ^[2] When Germany divided the land they did not maintain the former boundaries. They created entirely new borders which divided people groups and separated villages and tribes. The Ewe, Adja, Outachi, Fon and other groups were divided to name a few. These groups were divided between the Gold Coast, Togo, and Dahomey which is now known as Benin.^[3] The border between Benin and Togo was agreed upon by the French and the Germans but it was not fully marked so it has been a point of contention in recent history between the two nations.^[4] This border was created without even consulting the Togolese. The dividing of people groups is another example of a group of outsiders shaping the history of Togo for the Togolese. 

 "Murray & Candace's Adventures." : Trekking across Togo... Accessed June 28, 2016. http://mercyshipadventure.blogspot.com/2010/05/trekking-across-togo.html. 

Resources and Trade 

            Another area where foreigners have influenced the history of Togo is in the area of natural resources and trade. When the Germans colonized Togo one of their main motives was for access to trade routes, and resources. Togo sits on the Gulf of Guinea which gives access to trade routes that the Germans coveted. Although it is a relatively small strip of land, Togo has several natural resources including its largest exported resource, gold. In 2014, the most recent data provided by OEC through MIT, cites that gold accounted for 27 percent of Togo’s exports but they also exported refined petroleum, calcium phosphates, and cement in the same year.^[5] The area where the Germans had the most significant impact was their development of railroads throughout the country. Blackshire-Belay in her book states, “In economic terms, the impact of German colonialism was far from insignificant… Overall, the Germans oversaw the laying of some 4,500 km. of railway track…”^[6] This left a long lasting impact on the nation of Togo because they were now able to trade their resources and they were able to travel relatively quickly throughout the country. Unfortunately, the price of these railroads came at a cost and that cost was the high price of forced labor at the expense of the Togolese and the railroads also led to exploitation of the villages in some cases. The Togolese also compete in the global market which is yet another way interactions with foreigners have influenced the history of their nation. Togo is the 137th largest export economy and the 95th most complex according to the Economic Complexity Index.^[7] Togo has been influenced in the areas of natural resources and trade by foreigners through the railroad system built by the Germans and their participation in the global economy.

Saefong, Myra P., and Sue Chang. "Gold Drops in Biggest Move in Two Weeks on Upbeat Economic Signs." MarketWatch. 2016. Accessed July 05, 2016. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-falls-for-second-day-lower-for-the-week-as-us-economy-improves-2016-04-14.

Religion

            Another area where Togo has been influenced is the area of religion. This has been done through the hard work of missionaries both on the ground and through supporters from all over the world. The nation has no official religion. A majority (51%) of the Togolese still practice their traditional Voodoo practices. 20 percent of Togolese profess to be followers of Islam and 19 percent profess to be Christians.^[8] Traditional Voodoo is the belief that spirits and demons exist even if they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Voodoo practices are done to keep these demons and spirits away and to try to appease them. One can also place a curse on a neighbor or an enemy. Ancestor worship is also often considered a part of the traditional religion of Togo.^[9] Christianity was introduced to Togo as a result of the anti-slavery movement in 1847. This first group of missionaries were German Catholics and a few years later missionaries with the John Wesley Methodist Tradition joined them and they began ministering to the Togolese as well.

 "A Day at the Voodoo Fetish Market of Lomè." My 1st Impressions. Accessed July 05, 2016. http://my1stimpressions.com/2013/04/17/togolese-voodoo-fetish-market/. 

Missionary Impact

The impact that these missionaries have is great as are the humanitarian needs in Togo.  In a study done by the African Development Review, it was found that in 1998 the malnutrition rates were high but in 2006 they had dropped to average.^[10] This is largely a testament to humanitarian efforts by both missionaries and nations from around the globe helping the Togolese with agricultural methods and sustainability. The missionaries are also responsible for helping to increase the education rates. This can be seen in a study done by the Journal of Economic History. In this study, they compared the literacy rates of Christians to non-Christians. In Togo, 77 percent of men had never been to school who were non-Christians. Of those who professed to be Christians, only 53 percent of men had never been to school. This could be accounted for a variety of reasons but the most probable is that there are many private Christian schools that have been established by missionaries and these schools educate both Christians and non-Christians but many students are Christians by the time they graduate from the school.^[11] Missionaries have also helped in the area of physical needs by establishing a hospital called Hôpital Baptiste Biblique or Karolyn Kempton Memorial Christian Hospital.^[12] This is a hospital that was founded by missionaries for the purpose of meeting the physical needs of the Togolese with the greater purpose of meeting their spiritual needs at the same time. This is a difficult undertaking in Togo because many of the Togolese are hesitant to receive outside aid fearful that it will upset the spirits. This can be frustrating for many of the doctors and medical personnel because many of the issues the Togolese are suffering from can be cured. Some issues such as HIV and aids however, are much greater of a problem and although the missionaries are doing all they can the fight is a difficult one.^[13]

"Christian Schools." ABWE Togo South Team. Accessed July 04, 2016. https://abwetogosouth.org/ministries/christian-schools/.

Conclusion

The Togolese have been influenced from the outside but they have still managed to keep their culture alive. Foreigners have had a significant role in shaping the history but the Togolese have maintained continuity in their character. When one visits Togo it is not the borders, the trade or the work being done by missionaries that leaves a lasting impression. It is the smiles and the warmth of a culture that is alive and thriving amidst circumstances that seem it should be lost. These are the memories that are taken from Togo and the aspects that remain despite the foreigners lasting impact.




Video Presentation:
*The Prezi is most easily navigated by allowing it to play through on its own after you hit the play button but can also be navigated manually with the arrows at the bottom. Make sure your volume is on for the audio! Enjoy. 

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^{Bibliography
[1]} "Togoland." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (April 2016): 1. Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost (accessed June 28, 2016).

^[2] Blackshire-Belay Carol Aisha. "German Imperialism in Africa: The Distorted Images of Cameroon, Namibia, Tanzania, and Togo." Journal of Black Studies 23, no. 2 (1992): 238. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2784532.

^[3] "History." Togo Country Review (July 2011): 6-8. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed June 27, 2016).

^[4] Shelley, Fred M. Nation Shapes: The Story behind the World's Borders. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2013. 265.

^[5] "Togo." OEC. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/tgo.

^[6] Blackshire-Belay Carol Aisha. 237.

^[7] “Togo” OEC.

^[8] "Key Data." Togo Country Review (July 2012): 1-5. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed July 3, 2016).

^[9] Morse, Donald R. "Evidence for Voodoo Curses." Journal of Spirituality & Paranormal Studies, October 2010., 181-183, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost(accessed July 3, 2016).

^[10] Abalo, Kodjo, Akoété Ega Agbodji, and Yélé Maweki Batana. "Nutritional Health Inequalities among Children in Togo." African Development Review 26, no. 4 (December 2014): 584-596. International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center, EBSCOhost (accessed July 3, 2016).

^[11] Cogneau, D., & Moradi, A. (2014). Borders that divide: Education and religion in ghana and togo since colonial times. The Journal of Economic History, 74(3), 694-729.

^[12] "Hôpital Baptiste Biblique." ABWE Togo South Team. 2015. Accessed June 15, 2016. https://abwetogosouth.org/ministries/hbb/.

^[13] Yaya, I., Saka, B., Landoh, D. E., Patchali, P., Patassi, A. A., Aboubakari, A., . . . Pitché, P. (2015). HIV status disclosure to sexual partners, among people living with HIV and AIDS on antiretroviral therapy at sokodé regional hospital, togo. PLoS One,10(2).

Change - Borders, Politics, National Identity

The creation of Togo’s borders were done by Germany. Beginning in 1884, Germany controlled a stretch of land along the coast and gradually extended its control inland. They did not conform to existing cultural boundaries when they created the boundaries for Togo. They divided people groups and nations [1] . They split the Ewe, Adja, Ouatchi, Fon, and other groups  between the Gold Coast, Togo, and Dahomey which is now known as Benin. The Germans named their new colony “Togo” after the village that they made their original treaty with in 1884. [2]

 "Togo Extruded on the World Map With..." Togo Extruded On The World Map With Administrative Borders. Solid Colors Used. Stock Footage Video 8305519. Accessed June 28, 2016. http://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-8305519-stock-footage-togo-extruded-on-the-world-map-with-administrative-borders-solid-colors-used.html. 

Treaties with France were made in 1897 while treaties with the British were made in 1904 allowing for German expansion. After WWI, Britain and France took complete control of Togo and it was split between the east and the west with Britain taking the west and France taking the east. The French portion became independent in 1960 and became known as the Republic of Togo. The British portion became the independent state of Ghana in 1957.  [3]

The Volta river was used as a natural boundary along the Gold Coast, which is now known as Ghana but negotiations with the French and British led to the area north of Lome to remain part of the Gold Coast. This area is commonly referred to as the “Volta Triangle.”  [2] Another boundary is the coast along the Gulf of Guinea. The boundary with Benin was agreed upon by France and Germany in 1897 but was not fully marked which has caused tension between the two nations recently. [4]  

 "Module Twenty Four, Activity One." Exploring Africa. Accessed June 28, 2016. http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/curriculum/unit-five/module-twenty-four/module-twenty-four-activity-one/. 

 "Murray & Candace's Adventures." : Trekking across Togo... Accessed June 28, 2016. http://mercyshipadventure.blogspot.com/2010/05/trekking-across-togo.html. 

The Togolese have conformed to the boundaries in political sense by establishing a government and maintaining control of their borders. They are a people that largely still live in small villages and communities though, so their lives are not greatly affected by being Togolese. They have a much more local minded focus and recognize more minor authority figures than many nations. [2]

Sources:

1. "History." Togo Country Review (July 2011): 6-8. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed June 27, 2016).

2. "Togo - History." History. Accessed June 27, 2016. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Africa/Togo-HISTORY.html.

3. "Togoland." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (April 2016): 1. Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost (accessed June 28, 2016).

4. Shelley, Fred M. Nation Shapes: The Story behind the World's Borders. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2013. 265.

Missions

Information on missions in Togo is somewhat difficult to find because it is not well documented but there have been active missionaries for many years in the region and missionaries are currently working and active.

Missionary work began in 1847 when German missionaries arrived to minister to the Ewe people in the area that would soon be known as Togo. This first group of missionaries was a catholic group that sent nearly 100 missionaries before Germany colonized Togo. A few years later, missionaries with the John Wesley Methodist Tradition went to the region and began ministering to the people of Togo as well as the Catholic missionaries. They focused more on education for both children and adults. [1]

Photo provided by my sister, Ashley Siler

Muslim missionaries also have a presence in Togo. These missionaries established themselves in the mid 1800s and remain primarily in the northern parts of Togo. They have also focused on education and have built many schools that run by Arab teachers. Some groups of Togolese were forced into Islam following the their conquer by other groups but the missionaries were not responsible for this forceful tactic.[2]

Missionaries in Togo have a unique opportunity due to Togo’s direct need for humanitarian support. Hôpital Baptiste Biblique or Karolyn Kempton Memorial Christian Hospital is a hospital established in Togo by missionaries to meet the physical needs of the Togolese. [3] While meeting the physical needs of the Togolese, the missionaries are able to help meet their spiritual needs as well and present them the gospel. One particular challenge is the voodoo religion that is traditionally practiced by the tribal people. They tend to be hesitant to receive outside aid out of fear that it will conflict with the spirits. The solution to their problem might be as simple as needing an antibiotic but if they are not willing to receive the cure they will not get better. [2]

Protestant missionaries have been working to establish churches with the hopes that they would raise disciples to go plant more churches. Specifically, ABWE has established a BIble Institute, a BIble Translation and Literacy Program and a Women’s Ministry. There is still much work to be done in Togo but the Holy Spirit is working there.[4]


The following is my sister's video for deputation as she prepares to head to Togo. It provides more information on missions in Togo:
Ashley Siler: Missions in Togo Promo



Sources:
1. "L'Eglise Orthodoxe Du Togo." LEglise Orthodoxe Du Togo. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://egliseorthodoxe-togo.com/en/le-togo/.
2. Some groups of Togolese were forced into Islam following the their conquer by other groups but the missionaries were not responsible for this forceful tactic.
3. "Hôpital Baptiste Biblique." ABWE Togo South Team. 2015. Accessed June 15, 2016. https://abwetogosouth.org/ministries/hbb/.

4. "Discipleship Ministries." ABWE Togo South Team. 2015. Accessed June 15, 2016. https://abwetogosouth.org/ministries/discipleship-ministries/.

First Contact

The inhabitant’s living in what would soon be known as Togo, first began interacting with outsiders in 1847. These outsiders were German missionaries that arrived in Togo to work with the Ewe people. Traders saw an opportunity and followed the missionaries and went to Togo as well. Soon, Otto von Bismarck realized the advantages that Togo offered and sent a representative to persuade the chiefs to fly a German flag which they did in 1885. The Germans were able to build a town at Lome and began to build infrastructure by way of railroad tracks and roads using forced labor just before World War I.[1] As WWI began, the Togo people let the British and the French in to fight the Germans and the Germans had to quickly surrender which they did on August 26, 1914. [2]

 "Togo under the German Flag." WDL RSS. Accessed June 12, 2016. https://www.wdl.org/en/item/684/. 

The first missionaries that contacted the Ewe people were catholic according to sources. They were establishing a connection with the people, learning the language and translating it in order to create a written Bible. The next wave of missionaries was John Wesley’s Methodist Mission. Once Togo became a German colony, the missionary work was entirely catholic once again. [3]

Life under German rule was hard for the Togolese. They endured a lot of forced labor and heavy taxation. The German’s controlled all trade and manufacturing of goods. The German government approved some chiefs but they only handled civil issues as all criminal matters were handled by the Germans themselves. They had very limited, if any access to healthcare and education opportunities for children were very limited at best. One benefit to the German rule was the infrastructure that was built although that came at the price of forced labor.[2]

"HISTORY OF TOGO." HISTORY OF TOGO. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ad42.

The first interactions the Togolese had with Europeans were good and beneficial but after that they were harmful and they began to grow questionable of outsiders. Since then they have gained their independence and are interacting in the global economy and with the world as a valuable nation.  

Sources:

1. "HISTORY OF TOGO." HISTORY OF TOGO. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ad42.
2. "Togo: German Colonial Rule." World History. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://www.worldhistory.biz/sundries/38694-togo-german-colonial-rule.html.
3. "L'Eglise Orthodoxe Du Togo." LEglise Orthodoxe Du Togo. Accessed June 12, 2016. http://egliseorthodoxe-togo.com/en/le-togo/.

Natural Resources and Trade

Togo is a relatively small strip of land and as a result does not have a surplus of natural resources like many of its fellow African countries but that does not stop it from contributing in the global economy and global trade. According to the Economic Complexity Index, Togo is the 137th largest export economy and the 95th most complex. Togo still maintains a trade deficit despite its resources.

 "Small Speculators Bet Big on Gold as Price Remains Range-Bound." Energy and Gold Ltd. 2016. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://energyandgold.com/2016/04/27/small-speculators-bet-big-on-gold-as-price-remains-in-trading-range/. 

Togo’s top export is gold which accounted for 540 million dollars of Togo’s exports in 2014 which is the most recent data provided by the ECI. Gold accounted for 27 percent of Togo’s exports in 2014 but they also export refined petroleum, calcium phosphates and cement.1

The value of the gold in Togo has increased and decreased consistently with the global market which has remained relatively steady over time. There have been peaks and valleys but gold has traditionally been viewed as a desirable commodity by many cultures for many years. Gold was used a symbol of power and prestige in the ancient world. It was often used as jewelry and shrines for gods. Eventually, gold began to be used as currency and now is often used as a standard when comparing currencies of varying countries to one another.2

The value of refined petroleum has increased significantly over time. With the increase in products that use petroleum, it has become a very desirable and needed resource.3 Because of this increase in need, Togo has benefited from the increase in export of refined petroleum.

Trade through West Africa would typically be done through major hubs such as Timbuktu and Gao. This trade would be done through caravan and then would disperse through the rest of the African tribes and nations.4 These caravans typically used camels as their main mode of transportation and sometimes had up to 10,000 camels at a time.5

 "Trade in Ancient West Africa." -History for Kids-mrdowling.com. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://www.mrdowling.com/609-trade.html. 

Sources:
1. "Togo." OEC. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/tgo.
2.  "Gold in Antiquity." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://www.ancient.eu/gold/.
3.  "U.S. Refiner Petroleum Product Prices." U.S. Refiner Petroleum Product Prices. Accessed June 08, 2016. https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_refoth_dcu_nus_m.htm. 
4. "Trade in Ancient West Africa." -History for Kids-mrdowling.com. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://www.mrdowling.com/609-trade.html.
5.  "Ancient Africa." For Kids: Trade Routes. Accessed June 08, 2016. http://www.ducksters.com/history/africa/trade_routes_of_ancient_africa.php.

Religion

The nation of Togo has no official religion. Religion in Togo still largely remains true to its ancient voodoo beliefs. A majority (51%) practice this ancestor worship while 20% profess to be Muslims and 19% profess to be Christians. Voodoo is the belief that spirits and demons exist even if one cannot see them with the naked eye. They attempt to appease these spirits and will perform many rituals and ceremonies to keep them away to keep them happy.

Christianity was introduced to Togo as a result of the anti-slavery movement in 1830 with the establishment of the German Catholic Mission station. Roman Catholic is still the dominant denomination of Christianity in Togo. Over half of the population in Togo is under the age of 19 so the ministry in Togo is largely directed at youth. Many missionaries lead youth oriented programs and camps.

Islam is spreading in Togo. Tribes first came in contact with Islam from the salt and gold trade routes that came through the local area in the 1700s. The Muslims try to live peacefully with members of other faiths and have done so successfully in Togo thus far. Muslims are well accepted in society despite their minority status and serve in leadership roles in government. It is also not unheard of a leader converting to the faith while in office. They have several schools established and they place a high value on education.

Even those who practice religions other than the traditional Voodoo can often be seen incorporating aspects of Voodoo into their new religion. This can be difficult for Christian missionaries, for example, to help the Togolese to understand that they need to place their full and complete faith in Jesus and not in their sacrifices to spirits. Christian missionaries say that conversion is slow but the grounds are ripe and the Holy Spirit is moving in the nation of Togo and it is an exciting time to be a part of the changes that are taking place there.

Sources:

http://www.fbnc.net/togo/religion.html

http://www.factrover.com/people/Togo_people.html

http://www.operationworld.org/togo

https://joshuaproject.net/countries/TO