Togo, a small West African nation, has a long and complex history that is as varied as its people. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, Togo was once part of the great empires of the region, including the Ashanti Empire and the Kingdom of Dahomey. It has also been colonized by the Germans and French, and has experienced periods of independence and civil war. This article will explore the history of Togo, from its pre-colonial days to the present.
Pre-Colonial History
The first people to inhabit the area that is now Togo were the Ewe people, who migrated to the region from present-day Ghana in the 15th century. The Ewe were organized into several small chiefdoms, which were then united under the rule of the powerful Ashanti Empire in the 17th century. During this time, the Ashanti Empire extended its power over much of what is now Togo, as well as parts of present-day Benin and Ghana.
The Kingdom of Dahomey was the next major power to rule over the area. This kingdom, located in what is now Benin, was a powerful force in the region and was known for its strong military. The Dahomeyans conquered much of what is now Togo and held it until the 19th century.
Colonial Period
In the 19th century, Togo was colonized by the Germans. The Germans established a protectorate over the region and built a number of plantations to produce cash crops, such as cocoa and palm oil. The Germans also developed the infrastructure of the region and built roads, railroads, and ports.
At the end of World War I, Togo was divided between the French and British. The French controlled the western part of the country, while the British controlled the eastern part. The two parts were reunited in 1922, and the French continued to rule over the entire region until 1960.
Post-Colonial Period
In 1960, Togo gained its independence from France. Sylvanus Olympio, a leader of the independence movement, became the first president of the newly independent nation. However, his rule was short-lived, as he was assassinated in a military coup in 1963.
The military then took control of the government and ruled until 1967, when a new constitution was adopted and a civilian government was established. This government was overthrown in a coup in 1975, and the military once again took control of the government.
In the 1980s, Togo experienced a period of relative stability, and a new constitution was adopted in 1992. This constitution provided for a multi-party system and a democratically elected president. In 1993, Gnassingbe Eyadema was elected president in the country’s first democratic election. He remained in office until his death in 2005, when his son, Faure Gnassingbe, was elected president.
Today, Togo is a stable and peaceful nation, and has experienced a period of economic growth in recent years. The country is a member of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, and is a major trading partner in the region.
Conclusion
Togo has a long and complex history that is as varied as its people. From its pre-colonial days to the present, Togo has experienced periods of independence, colonization, civil war, and stability. Today, Togo is a peaceful and democratic nation, and is an important member of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.