Genocide, destruction, poor infrastructure, Rwanda is a country in reconstruction which cannot get rid of its bad reputation. Before Belgium colonized Rwanda, there were Hutu and Twa. Later, in the 1300s, the Tutsi emigrated. When these ethnic groups met, they created a common culture and language, they were equal. However, ethnic divisions perpetuated by Belgium resulted in a genocide that tarnished Rwanda's global image. People may note that Belgium's rule created chaos and terror, and that political issues regarding government power and the treatment of its people have shaped modern Rwanda. In 1897, Germany captured Ruanda-Urundi (present-day Rwanda), as part of German East Africa. Seventeen years later, World War I broke out, which brought Belgian troops to Rwanda and ultimately led to Belgium's rule over Rwanda. Under Belgian rule, the people of Rwanda were required to carry identity cards indicating their ethnicity, which solidified the ideal of ethnic division. Furthermore, the Tutsi became a favored race and enjoyed more educational and employment opportunities. Years later, in 1959, the death of Mwami (King) Mutara III created even more unrest, as well as an uprising. After his death, the Hutu rebelled against the Tutsi, and the Hutu eventually gained control of the government and economy (Rwanda). Under the rule of the Hutu government, the people of Rwanda voted to become a republic. A year later, on July 1, 1962, Ruanda-Urandi became two separate countries. Even though Belgium was no longer in power over Rwanda, ethnic divisions continued to affect the population. At independence, a Hutu was elected, and later another Hutu, sympathetic to his ethnicity, came to power. The Hutus continued to dominate the government... middle of paper ...... had a greater impact on the country than decolonization. Furthermore, the history of Rwanda can serve as an example to teach future generations to avoid racial discrimination.BibliographyGascoigne, Bamber. “History of Rwanda”. History World. and Web. December 16, 2013. Hasselriis, Kaj. “French is no longer fashionable in Rwanda.” Maclean's April 26, 2010: 37. Opposing views in context. Internet. December 9, 2013. “Policies in Rwanda should be defined taking into account the history of the genocide - Kabarebe. » Africa News Service April 16, 2013. Opposing views in context. Internet. January 5, 2014. “Rwanda”. The World Book Encyclopedia. Flight. 16. Chicago, IL: Scott Fetzer, Print. “Rwandan Kagame accuses the French of being involved in the genocide. » Africa News Service, March 18, 2004. Opposing views in context. Internet. December 12, 2013. “Rwanda Profile.” BBC News. September 12, 2013. The web. December 2. 2013.