generate questions: However, in 1883–84 Germany began to build a colonial empire in Africa and the South Pacific, before losing interest in imperialism. Historians have debated exactly why Germany made this sudden and short-lived move.[verification needed] Bismarck was aware that public opinion had started to demand colonies for reasons of German prestige. He was influenced by Hamburg merchants and traders, his neighbors at Friedrichsruh. The establishment of the German colonial empire proceeded smoothly, starting with German New Guinea in 1884.
Besides Africa, where did Germany have imperial interests? {sep_token} Colonies were a sign of what amongst European countries? {sep_token} When did Germany found their first settlement? {sep_token} What was the name of the first German settlement? {sep_token} Who influenced Bismark besides his neighbors?