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.
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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.
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"Murray & Candace's Adventures." : Trekking across Togo... Accessed June 28, 2016. http://mercyshipadventure.blogspot.com/2010/05/trekking-across-togo.html.
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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.
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| 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.
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"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/.
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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]
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| "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:
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Bibliography
[1] "Togoland." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (April 2016): 1. Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost (accessed June 28, 2016).
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[2] Blackshire-Belay
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[6]
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[7] “Togo” OEC.
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[10] Abalo, Kodjo, Akoété Ega Agbodji, and Yélé Maweki Batana.
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[12] "Hôpital Baptiste Biblique." ABWE Togo South Team. 2015.
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[13] Yaya, I., Saka, B.,
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