IBDP History: The slave trade in Africa and the Middle East (1500–1900) -IB Style Questions-HL option 1 -Paper 3

Question

“Rivalries and warfare between African states were the main causes of the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade.” Discuss.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade was mainly caused by rivalries and warfare between African states. They may consider the argument that rivalry and warfare debilitated African societies and left them vulnerable the incursions of slavers. It also encouraged some states to take part in expeditions at the expense of rivals. Candidates may point out that this was not the only reason why African states became involved, as many derived commercial benefit from selling slaves to Europeans or exchanging them for manufactured goods and firearms. They may also argue that many of the causes can be found outside of Africa—most notably in the increased demand for slave labour in the sugar and cotton plantations of the Americas.

Question

Evaluate the significance of colonial expansion to the decline of the East African slave trade.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the significance of colonial expansion as a factor in the decline of the East African slave trade. They may consider the role of European missionaries and humanitarians who campaigned against the trade and highlighted its iniquities and/or suggest that public opinion contributed to British diplomatic pressure, which was a factor in the closing of the Zanzibar market in 1873. Conversion to Christianity also helped stigmatize the institution of slavery among Africans. Candidates may note the significance of factors other than colonial expansion—such as the decline in demand for plantation slaves in the Americas with the introduction of machinery, the expansion of legitimate trade and the role of anti-slave trade treaties—to provide context and/or a reference point for their evaluation; however, the bulk of their response must be focused on colonial expansion.

Question

“The expansion of the East African slave trade was simply an extension of existing practices.” Discuss.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

Candidates will offer a considered review of the statement that the expansion of the East African slave trade was simply an extension of existing practices. They may agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may suggest that traditional trade in slaves and commodities such as ivory and spices between peoples in the region established trade links and laid the foundation for the later slave trade between East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. They may demonstrate an understanding of which features were carried forward from existing practices and which were new developments. Other contributory factors to the expansion of the East African slave trade, such as the role of the Sultanate of Oman and British decision to ban slavery which led to closure of West African slave markets, may be referred to.

Question

Examine the impact of anti-slavery legislation in the 19th century.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

Candidates will consider the impact of anti-slavery legislation in the 19th century. The examination of impact may extend beyond the timeframe but impact identified must be clearly linked to nineteenth century legislation. Candidates may refer to the long- and short-term impact or alternatively, they may identify and categorize the social, economic and political impact of the legislation. Examples of legislation may include the 1807 Slave Trade Act, the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act and the 1885 Berlin Act among others. While some of the causes of the introduction of legislation, such as evolving popular attitudes towards slavery, may be mentioned to provide context, the bulk of the response must be focused on impact. Impacts identified may include the gradual abolition of the practice of slavery, the liberation of large numbers of slaves and the decline of the slave trade, and its replacement with legitimate commerce.

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