Togoland

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Togoland was a German protectorate in West Africa. The protectorate was established during the "Scramble for Africa", when German explorer and imperialist Gustav Nachtigal arrived at Togoville, sent as a special commissioner by Prince Otto von Bismarck. On July 5 1884, a treaty was signed with the local chief, Mlapa III, in which Germany declared a protectorate over a stretch of territory along the coast of the Bight of Benin. Nachtigal was Reichskommissar for a day, but was replaced on July 6 by Heinrich Randad as other tasks were waiting for Nachtigal in Northern Africa.

Germany gradually extended its control inland. They brought scientific cultivation to the country's main export crops (cacao, coffee and cotton) and developed its infrastructure to one of the highest levels in Africa. Because it became Germany's only self-supporting colony, Togoland was known as its model possession. This would last until the eruption of World War I.

On August 26 1914, Togoland was invaded by French and British forces and fell after five days of brief resistance. On December 27 1916, Togoland was divided into French and British administrative zones. Following the war, Togoland formally became a League of Nations Class B mandate divided for administrative purposes into French Togoland and British Togoland.

As a result, most of the territory formerly belonging to Togoland is now a part of Togo, with a small part transferred to Ghana.

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