Final answer:
The Germans established the Caprivi Strip to access the Zambezi River, aiming to establish a trade route to the Indian Ocean. Their plans were thwarted by geographical barriers, but the endeavor reflects the broader colonial goal of controlling strategic resources and trade paths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Caprivi Strip was established in present-day Namibia during the age of European colonization of Africa. The Germans created this narrow extension of land with the primary intention of accessing the Zambezi River, which they believed would offer them a direct route to the Indian Ocean and thereby enhance trade opportunities. This ambition was influenced by the competitive spirit during the age of colonial expansion, where access to sea routes and resources dictated power and wealth among European nations.
Although the Germans hoped to use the Zambezi River to establish a trade route, their plans were foiled by the geographical reality that the river led to the Victoria Falls, making it impractical for navigation to the sea. Despite this miscalculation, the creation of the Caprivi Strip is illustrative of the broader colonial goals during the period, which included the accumulation of wealth and influence through control over resources and strategic territories. This aligns with the overarching motivations of European powers in Africa, motivated by the rich natural resources and the desire to establish and control trade routes.