How did the Belgians create division between the Hutu and Tutsi Hotel Rwanda?
In this regard, where did the classification of Hutu and Tutsi come from in Rwanda?
Belgian and German colonists divided the people of Rwanda into 3 different racial classifications: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The Belgians thought that the Tutsis were a superior people because they were more “white.”
Thereof, what role did Belgian colonialism play in paving the way for the Rwandan genocide?
Belgian rule created more of an ethnic divide between the Tutsi & Hutu, supporting Tutsi political power. Due to eugenics movements colonial government became concerned with differences between Hutu & Tutsi.
The Tutsi, the minority group, were highly favored, and given privilege and western style education as well as positions enforcing Belgian rule. Meanwhile the Hutu were treated with little respect and restricted to jobs that did not offer opportunity or wealth.