King Myeongjong of Joseon vs Mkwawa

Myeongjong became king of Joseon at age 11 after the death of his half-brother Injong. His mother, Queen Munjeong, served as regent, effectively ruling the country for the first years of his reign.

Queen Munjeong, acting as regent, ordered a purge of the Yun Won-hyeong faction, executing many officials. This event, known as the Eulsa Literati Purge, eliminated political rivals and consolidated the regency's power.

Myeongjong began his personal rule after the death of his mother, Queen Munjeong. He attempted to stabilize the court but faced ongoing factional strife and was unable to reverse the damage from earlier purges.

King Myeongjong died without a male heir, ending his direct line. His death led to the accession of his nephew, King Seonjo, who would later face the Japanese invasions of Korea.

Mkwawa led the Hehe people in armed resistance against German colonial forces in German East Africa. He refused to submit to German authority, organizing guerrilla attacks on German outposts and caravans.

Mkwawa's forces ambushed and defeated a German military expedition at Lugalo, killing German commander Emil von Zelewski. This victory boosted Hehe morale and demonstrated the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics against colonial troops.

German forces under Tom von Prince captured the Hehe fortress at Kalenga after a fierce battle. Mkwawa escaped but lost his stronghold and much of his army. The Germans destroyed the fortress and occupied Hehe territory.

Mkwawa committed suicide by shooting himself when surrounded by German troops near Kalenga. His death ended the seven-year Hehe resistance. German authorities later recovered his skull, which was returned to Tanzania in 1954.