Chapter 30: Dodoma
Dodoma served as the destination for the first team of the East African advance mission. While other teams were still en route, the first team had already begun construction in this strategic location.
Situated over 1,100 meters above sea level, Dodoma enjoyed a cool climate. Located near the upper source of the Wami River, the area boasted low mountains, hills, and diverse terrains. Dodoma served as a critical stopping point for caravans traveling between the Swahili coast and Lake Tanganyika. In a previous era, it had been a vital railway hub in Tanzania.
The geographical importance of Dodoma couldn't be overstated. Goods arriving at the port of Dar es Salaam could be efficiently transferred to various strongholds in the East African colonies, facilitating immigration and trade.
With an annual precipitation of around 600 millimeters and an average temperature ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, Dodoma's climate was highly suitable for human habitation. This made it an ideal location for the first team to establish a presence.
Before the rainy season began, the first team employed kerosene lighters from the Hexingen Company to set controlled fires. These fires helped clear the land and neutralize the soil's acidity with the ash produced. The more than 500 immigrants accompanying the army then began plowing the land for future agricultural endeavors.
In the vicinity of Dodoma, indigenous tribes conducted trade with Arab merchants. When they encountered the first team, armed with firearms, the locals were naturally cautious. These indigenous tribes, mainly Bantu people who had migrated from West Africa centuries ago, had limited contact with East Asians.
For the time being, the first team had no intention of conflicting with these indigenous tribes. They focused on constructing their camp and establishing a presence in the area.
East Africa was sparsely populated at this time. In comparison to the vast Mongolian grasslands, the population was minimal. The indigenous tribes, still in a hunting and gathering stage, had low productivity and limited ability to support a larger population.
However, the presence of Arab merchants who often incited tribal conflicts had led to a decrease in the population of East Africa. Nonetheless, under colonial rule, productivity increased, leading to population growth in the future.
Ernst suspected that, at this point, the population of Tanzania may not exceed 5 million, even with its extensive landmass of 940,000 square kilometers. In the previous era, German East Africa had a population of just over 7 million, including densely populated areas like Rwanda and Burundi.
Ernst believed he had the capacity to address this issue over time. Having grown up in a country with a long tradition of centralization and unification, he was confident in his ability to manage population integration.
Ernst recognized the importance of resolving the racial issue, and he believed that by concentrating efforts over several decades, he could prevent racial conflicts from arising in East Africa. He cited examples like Cuba, where racial harmony had been achieved under a homogeneous system, and the failures of countries like Yugoslavia that had disintegrated due to leadership issues.
Dodoma's climate, with temperatures around 23 degrees, was comfortable for the Chinese immigrants who primarily wore Prussian military uniforms. Unlike the hot and humid environment of the first town, Dodoma offered more pleasant conditions for the immigrants.
The first team's commander remained cautious, mindful of Africa's historical reputation for tropical diseases. Ernst had emphasized the importance of sanitation in the colony, urging measures like boiling drinking water, avoiding undercooked wild meat, and being cautious with food that could host parasites. He also encouraged regular disinfection in the colonies and taking precautions against mosquito-borne diseases.
While the food supply in the East African colony remained adequate, the immigrants were advised to avoid consuming strange or potentially dangerous animals. Wild bananas and fruits were readily available to sustain them, and hunting larger herbivores like zebras and wildebeests was possible in teams.
Under the night sky filled with stars, immigrants who had worked diligently throughout the day rested on simple wooden beds, enjoying the tranquility and comfort of Dodoma.
(end of Chapter 30)