Question
Examine the factors that contributed to Menelik II’s success in resisting European conquest.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are expected to consider the general factors that contributed to Menelik II’s successful resistance against Italian conquest. A balanced consideration on the role played by Menelik himself and other factors ought to be considered.
Indicative content
- There may be discussion of the role played by support for Menelik. For example, he gained support in his expansion in the East and South and was able to rally to his cause leaders such as the king of Shewa.
- Candidates may also consider the military strength of the Ethiopian forces; they had a large army that was well equipped.
- The Italian forces were not well trained and found it difficult to fight in unfamiliar terrain.
- Candidates may also consider the role played by the military commander of Ethiopia who was able to lead his forces to various victories, unlike the commander of the Italian forces who made many tactical errors.
- The use of spies by the Ethiopian forces also led to wrong information being given to the Italian forces. This also contributed to the Italians’ defeat.
- The Ethiopians defeated the Italians at the battle of Adowa and were therefore not ready to give up their freedom.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
“The Maji Maji Rising (1905) failed because it was not a unified movement.” Discuss.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates should offer a considered and balanced review of the Maji Maji Rising with particular reference to the reasons why it failed. Candidates should consider how lack of unity contributed to its failure in the context of other factors.
Indicative content
- Candidates may demonstrate the lack of unity in the Maji Maji Rising by highlighting the fact that it involved many communities with many different grievances against the Germans. Therefore the lack of a unified aim weakened the rising from the outset.
- The rising itself lacked coordination. During the rising, for example, the different communities failed to coordinate their attacks on the Germans.
- The prophecy of the magical potion against European bullets also failed to protect those who participated in the rising.
- Some African chiefs encouraged their people to remain loyal to the Germans and this weakened the resistance.
- German actions also limited the rising, for example their use of a scorched earth policy.
- It may be suggested that the hanging of Kinjikitile, was a significant point in the rising as his death undermined morale.
- The use of modern weapons by the German forces may also be deemed significant as the African weapons were no match for the German equipment.
- Finally, the Germans were able to rely on a battery of reinforcements drawn from a range of places such as New Guinea.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Examine the contribution of economic, social and political factors to the Mandinka’s decision to resist the French.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to consider the reasons why the Mandinka chose to resist French colonization and examine the various economic, social and political factors that contributed to this decision.
Indicative content
Economic:
- The Mandinka had a flourishing trade-based economy, rooted in the sale of gold and ivory. This contributed to the growth and consolidation of a formidable state.
- The Mandinka also had trade links with the British through Sierra Leone. This allowed the Mandinka to purchase a sizeable arsenal of modern firearms which gave them the military capacity to resist the French.
Social:
- Mandinka nationalism, which was fostered by Samori Toure, engendered a strong spirit of resistance in his people.
Political:
- Samori was a determined, disciplined and resourceful leader of the Mandinka.
- He was able to persuade rival rulers to join the growing Mandinka Empire, and he successfully created a strong, centralized administration that was capable of resisting French colonization for more than a decade and a half.
- The Mandinka had a well-organized military with a standing army of 35,000 well-trained men and an elite cavalry regiment.
- Samori had (unfounded) hopes of using diplomacy to build a strong regional alliance with the Asante against French expansionism, or of requesting a British protectorate.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Evaluate the reasons for Herero and Nama resistance to German rule.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to appraise the impact of German rule on the Herero and the Nama and address the various reasons why both groups resisted the Germans.
Indicative content
- There was historical rivalry between the Herero and Nama. The former attempted to collaborate with the Germans at the expense of the latter.
- The German expropriation of the land and cattle herds of the Herero and Nama, considerably weakened both the Herero and the Nama. There was suggestion of reserves being set up. The economic ruin of the Herero and Nama people was caused by an outbreak of rinderpest that destroyed their remaining herds. It was exacerbated by the usurious lending practices of German traders.
- The German’s enslaved Africans to work on their plantations and this reduced the number of free Herero and Nama and enfeebled their armies. Germany had a brutal and uncompromising military strategy, including van Trotha’s notorious extermination order which was resented.
- The German determination to fully colonize Namibia and bring an end to all African resistance as quickly as possible.
- Regarding legal matters, the Africans were unfairly treated and this escalated racial tension.
- The policy of debt collection contributed to tensions when debts were unpaid, cattle and other valuables were confiscated by traders. This contributed to the resentment of the Germans especially among the Herero.
- The Herero were against the construction of the railway line which would push them into the reserves.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.