Accession Number: 2022.02.8.35

Stamp: 6 Winterhilfswerk Deutches Reich

Postmark: March 31, 1940, Winterhilfswerk, Schaffende Gemeinschaften which translates to “working communities”, Reichs-Strassen meaning “state roads” referring to a German highway system during this period of time

Historical background:

Carl Peters was a German explorer and colonial administrator who played a key role in the history of German colonialism. He is best known for his expedition in 1884-1885 that led to the annexation of German East Africa. In 1884, Peters found the Society for German Colonization and later that year traveled to what is now northeastern Tanzania and made several contracts with chiefs who surrendered their territories to him. However, it is noted by a member of Peters’ expedition that the indigenous people were likely not clear on what the significance of the treaties meant. In early 1885, Peters established the German East Africa Company, which eventually fell to financial difficulties due to his lack of training or experience with running a business.