Theodor Leutwein

Theodor Leutwein
Curt von Francois
Succeeded by	Lothar von Trotha
Personal details
Born	19 May 1849 Waldbrunn, Grand Duchy of Baden
Died	13 April 1921 Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden, Germany
Military service
Allegiance	Grand Duchy of Baden (1868–1871)  German Empire (1871–1905)
Branch/service	Baden Army  Prussian Army Schutztruppe
Years of service	1868–1905
Rank	Colonel char. Generalmajor
Commands	Imperial Schutztruppe for German South West Africa
Battles/wars	Franco-Prussian War Khaua-Mbandjeru rebellion Herero Wars

Theodor Gotthilf Leutwein (9 May 1849 – 13 April 1921) was a German military officer and colonial administrator who served as

Life and career

Leutwein was born in Strümpfelbrunn in the Grand Duchy of Baden. He joined the Baden Army in 1868, served in the Franco-Prussian War and afterwards was taken over into the Prussian Army. Following several promotions he achieved the rank of major in 1893. In 1894 he replaced Curt von François as commander of the Imperial Schutztruppe for German South West Africa (Imperial Security Troop). His personal goal in the colony was to create "colonialism without bloodshed". During his tenure there, Leutwein created a decentralized administration with three regional centers (Windhoek, Otjimbingwe and Keetmanshoop). The construction of the first railroad between Windhoek and the seaport of Swakopmund was built during his rule. In 1899 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, rising to the rank of colonel in 1901.^[1]

His policies with the native Africans, which he called the "Leutwein System", was a mixture of diplomacy, "divide-and-rule" and military coercion. His relationship with the indigenous