This study is at the same time a reinterpretation of German colonial policies in Mainland Tanzania 1884-1914 and a broader thesis on the interrelations between colonialism, exploitation and development. The author argues that although colonialism was basically an exploitative system, much of what we nowadays call development began in Mainland Tanzania during the early phase of German colonialism. Indeed, only 'development' made colonial exploitation possible.

Combining structure-led and actor-oriented approaches, the study discusses the genesis and workings of German colonial policies and traces their impact. In addition to economic policies, it covers the issues of labour, population, technology, natural resources, health and education.

On the basis of extensive documentary evidence from Tanzania and Germany, it is shown how the German colonialists came to be driven by a 'development imperative', and how this unfolded amidst the conflicting interests and demands of the metropole, local colonial actors and the African people.