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Carl Peters was a German explorer and colonial administrator, best known for his role in establishing German East Africa, which forms part of modern-day Tanzania. As one of the founders of the German East Africa Company, Peters was instrumental in Germany's colonial expansion in Africa during the late 19th century. However, his brutal treatment of native populations and controversial actions led to his dismissal from government service in 1897, making him a polarizing figure both during his lifetime and in subsequent historical assessments. 

Born in Neuhaus an der Elbe in the Kingdom of Hanover, Peters was the son of a Lutheran clergyman. He pursued studies in history and philosophy at several universities, including Göttingen, Tübingen, and Humboldt University in Berlin, where he studied under Heinrich von Treitschke, a prominent historian and nationalist. Peters demonstrated an early interest in colonialism and nationalism, themes that would define his career. Despite earning academic distinctions, including a gold medal for his dissertation on the 1177 Treaty of Venice, Peters soon turned his attention away from academia towards German colonial ventures. 

Peters was an ardent advocate for Germany's acquisition of colonies, founding the Society for German Colonization in 1884. He embarked on an expedition to East Africa later that year, securing treaties with local chiefs that were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the establishment of German East Africa.  Upon his return to Europe, he founded the German East Africa Company in 1885. Despite initial reluctance from Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Peters’ political maneuvering, including a threat to sell his acquisitions to Belgium’s King Leopold II, forced the German government to support his plans, granting him an imperial charter.

However, Peters' lack of experience in administration and finance led the German East Africa Company into financial trouble, and government intervention soon followed. Peters briefly served as the company's director in Zanzibar but failed in key negotiations, leading to his recall to Germany in 1888. The German government's eventual takeover of East Africa as a crown colony marked the end of Peters' influence over the company's affairs. 

In 1889, Peters undertook a controversial expedition ostensibly to "rescue" the German-backed governor of Equatoria, Emin Pasha. In reality, Peters sought to expand German influence in Uganda and Equatoria. His brutal treatment of local populations during the expedition earned him notoriety, and reports of villages burned and populations terrorized contributed to his negative reputation. Though he successfully concluded a treaty with Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda, this achievement was rendered moot by the signing of the Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty in 1890, which placed Uganda under British influence.

Despite the failures of his Uganda expedition, Peters remained a celebrated figure among colonial advocates in Germany, even publishing a popular account of his journey. He returned to East Africa in 1891 as Reichskommissar for the Kilimanjaro region but faced severe criticism for his harsh treatment of African populations, including the execution of his servants and slaves. Peters was recalled to Berlin and employed in the Colonial Section of the Foreign Office from 1893 to 1895 while facing official accusations of excesses in his treatment of the African population.  His actions prompted multiple investigations, and in 1897, Peters was formally dismissed from government service, stripped of his pension, and disgraced. 

After his dismissal, Peters relocated to London, where he remained involved in colonial ventures, particularly in southern Africa. He explored the Zambezi region, where he claimed to have discovered ancient gold mines, which he associated with the biblical Ophir. He documented these findings in Im Goldland des Altertums (1902). Despite his fall from grace, Peters continued to hold sway among colonial supporters, and in 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II personally restored his title of Imperial Commissioner and awarded him a pension.

Peters legacy remains deeply controversial, particularly for his espousal of Social Darwinism and his brutal treatment of native populations, which earned him the nickname "Hangman Peters" and the Swahili epithet mkono wa damu (man with blood on his hands). Peters was celebrated in Nazi Germany, where his image as a colonial hero was revived, culminating in the naming of a fleet tender after him and a 1941 propaganda film depicting his life.

However, in the post-war period, Peters' legacy has been reassessed, with many streets named in his honor being renamed, including the renaming of Berlin's Petersallee in 1986. In August 2024, further changes were made to Petersallee, with parts of the street renamed to commemorate African resistance and liberation figures. heck important info.