Chapter 213: Southwest Raiders
The expansion of East Africa into the southwest was akin to the westward movement in the United States, with the goal of colonization and development. However, in this vast region, there were still many indigenous tribes, especially in the "pocket" area where Felix was leading an expedition. It was estimated that this area was home to about 3 million indigenous people. East Africa needed these people as laborers to contribute to the region's development, but it had strict criteria for selecting who would be considered "laborers."
East Africa focused on recruiting young, able-bodied men, while excluding women and children from indigenous populations. After a rigorous screening process, only about one million individuals qualified as "laborers," while others were excluded. This policy aimed to ensure that the workforce in East Africa was productive and adhered to the region's strict ethnic policies.
East African citizens were categorized into three groups: pure white, pure yellow, and mixed race (a combination of white and yellow). While the gender balance in East Africa was improving, there were still more men than women. To avoid potential conflicts and ensure the population's purity, East Africa did not allow black indigenous women to remain within its borders.
Ernst, the leader of East Africa, was adamant about this policy, and any violation would result in exile. Those who broke this rule would be sent to the Alaska colony, which was not a favorable place for most. The East African government discouraged people from seeing this as a viable option, as it would not offer the same opportunities as staying within East Africa.
Alaska had a population of over 20,000, including more than 1,000 criminals who had been sent there as part of their punishment. However, the law in East Africa was strict, and while there were occasional violators, they were dealt with accordingly.
East Africa's expansion into the southwest involved territories with many indigenous tribes, and the region was different from the Indian territories in the United States. East Africa's approach to colonization involved forcing tribal chiefs to sign land treaties under the threat of military force.
The southwest expansion would ultimately bring East Africa into potential conflict with the Portuguese, who had an interest in the ivory trade in the region. The Kingdom of Kazenbe was a key node in the ivory trade route, connecting the east and west coasts of southern Africa.
East Africa's leaders, including Felix, were eager expansionists. They had plans to continue westward but were cautious about the vast tropical rainforest region. The Belgians had already claimed much of the Congo Basin along the Congo River, and East Africa was monitoring whether King Leopold of Belgium would focus on the Congo or pursue other strategies.
As East Africa expanded, it dealt with indigenous tribes, local kingdoms, and potential conflicts with neighboring colonial powers, making it a complex and dynamic situation in the southwest region of the continent.