Question
With reference to one area of Africa, examine the political impact of the spread of Islam.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are expected to consider the impact of the spread of Islam in one, named, area of Africa with specific reference to political effects.
Indicative content
- In places where Islam spread, shariah laws were implemented as the basis of government; this ensured uniformity in the application of criminal justice.
- The jihads had political impact in that they saw the growth and collapse of states.
- In, for example, West Africa Islam formed the basis of some of the large empires in an area that had been mainly occupied by small kingdoms. Examples of these include Mali and Songhai.
- Islam does not differentiate between political and religious leadership and, therefore, it was supported by the traditional leaders in the areas in which it spread. Those kings who converted to Islam often enjoyed power and authority.
- Northern and East Africa became linked to the Arab Islamic world both religiously and politically.
- Heightened tension between Islamic and non-Islamic states/regions.
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
With reference to one area of Africa, examine the impact of the Independent Church movement.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates expected to consider the results of the introduction of the Independent Church movements in any one, named, area of Africa.
Indicative content
- Countries that may be used include Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria or Congo.
- Christianity was Africanized in leadership and practice.
- The formation of the Independent African Church movement saw the continued breakaway from the mainstream Christian Churches to the more charismatic Churches that were developing.
- The movement allowed for followers to practice Christianity side-by-side with African cultures such as polygamy.
- The movement also allowed for Africans to take up leadership roles in the Churches.
- In Independent Churches, women were allowed to take up prominent roles such as those of prophetess and overseer.
- The Churches were used to fight for the rights of Africans in areas where there was discontent regarding issues such as forced labour, loss of land and/or heavy taxation.
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
With reference to one area of Africa, discuss the changing role of women within the period from 1800 to 1960.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to consider the ways in which, and the extent to which, the role of women has changed in their chosen area of Africa within the period from 1800 to 1960. They are not required to provide full coverage of that period; however the timeline they elect to discuss should offer some scope for them to discuss changes and/or the reasons for limited change.
Indicative content
• It may be suggested that the role of women changed little during this period and that they continued to lead fairly traditional ways of life; marrying, bearing children; looking after the home and/or seldom undertaking paid work.
• It may also be noted that the colonial period did not offer women much scope for change; men tended to benefit from new employment opportunities and, often, women’s work was limited to casual labour.
• On the contrary, it may be suggested that the colonial period promoted trade, which in turn led to the development of monetary systems that inhibited subsistence systems and encouraged more widespread employment.
• However, changes did occur and these may have been linked to an increasing “Westernization”, which may, depending on the area, have brought significant technological developments and cultural shifts. This may also have provided social and educational opportunities.
• As a result of educational opportunities, there may have been more pathways for women in the workplace and this may have contributed to political enfranchisement for women as laws were increasingly introduced that enabled women to vote.
• The impact of religion could be a legitimate area of discussion and, depending on the selected area, candidates may discuss the impact of Christianity and/or Islam and, for example, examine the decline in the rate of polygamous marriages.
• The degree of change is likely to vary significantly according to the area being discussed; however candidates should deploy specific evidence to support their assertions.
• In many parts of Africa the migration of men to the cities in search of work had important consequences for women. In addition to their traditional responsibilities of child-rearing and looking after the home they increasingly had to work in subsistence agriculture.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list 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
To what extent was dissatisfaction with some elements of Christianity a major cause of the emergence of Independent Churches?
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are expected to have a clear understanding of the reasons for the development of the Independent Church movements. They should have knowledge of what was considered by some to be the weaknesses in the Christian Church as well as other factors that led to their establishment. They should draw a conclusion as to whether dissatisfaction with the existing churches was the main reason for the development of Independent Churches.
Indicative content
Dissatisfaction with Christianity
• There was discrimination regarding positions in the Church and a growing feeling among Africans that Christianity was dominated by Europeans.
• The Christian Church’s disapproval of some African traditions such as polygamy also contributed to support for an Independent Church movement.
• The limited provision of education, or the provision of low-quality education, was used by the colonial authorities as a means of maintaining control. The Christian missions, which often provided this education, were associated with this strategy in the minds of some Africans. This led to the more general perception that the Churches were at least partly responsible for the depredations suffered under colonialism.
• The established Churches often seemed out-of-touch and unresponsive to the needs of ordinary Africans.
Other factors
• Through the Independent Churches, Africans could coalesce aspects of Christianity with traditions that they wanted to retain.
• Independent Churches represented an opportunity for Africans to take leadership.
• Independent Churches voiced strong opposition to colonialism and its policies, for example land confiscation, forced labour and taxation, and this resonated with many Africans.
• Some Independent Churches were established in areas where missionary activity was minimal, suggesting that other factors were at work.
• The influence of black American evangelism was another factor in encouraging Independent Church formation.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list 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.