Maji Maji Revolt of 1905-07

an uprising of the peoples of German East Africa against colonial oppression. The revolt was named after a popular belief concerning the miracle-working force of sanctified water (maji), which the rebels thought would save them from enemy bullets. The uprising began on a cotton plantation in Kibata and soon enveloped the entire central and southern portions of the colony. Abdullah Mpanda was one of its leaders. The rebellion was suppressed by German troops early in 1907. About 120,000 Africans were killed as the result of military operations and punitive expeditions; some tribes were totally wiped out.