Mirambo
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Mirambo, leader of the Nyamwezi from 1860 to 1884, during European colonial expansion, regarded the Europeans as vehicles to his success. Europeans supplied him with knowledge, influence, and guns, and slaves produced food for his armies and traders. He dominated vast territories, including areas with elephant populations, which gave him access to ivory that could be traded to the Europeans. He controlled huge trade caravans traveling from the Great Lakes region in western Tanzania to the coast. He also imposed tariffs and tolls on people passing through his domain. His military strength and control of trade and labour made him a powerful leader. He was notable for opposing the Arab allies of Stanley, who dubbed Mirambo "the African Bonaparte."
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