Background on the Rwandan Genocide

Genocide – the systematic extermination of an entire national, racial, political, or ethnic group

Hutus (majority) vs. Tutsis(minority)

German and Belgian colonists in the early 1900’s set up a class system that favored Tutsis over Hutus

Identity cards were given to distinguish the groups

In the 1960’s Hutus succeed in a rebellion against the Belgian colonial rulers From 1960’s – early 1990’s there is sporadic fighting between Hutus and Tutsis

On April 6, 1994 President Habyarimana (a Hutu) is killed On April 6, 1994 President Habyarimana (a Hutu) is killed. Tutsis are blamed and the genocide begins

Genocide – For a period of about 100 days 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus are killed, most hacked to death by machete