Evaluate the influence of Catholicism in the Kingdom of the Kongo.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the influences of Catholicism on the Kingdom of the Kongo. They may note the impact of Catholicism on traditional African culture, for example, practices such as polygamy were shunned by the converted. Christian converts spoke Portuguese and adopted Portuguese names and clothing, and candidates may stress the growing tension and rivalry between converts and other Kongolese. They may also focus on the impact of Catholicism on traditional belief systems. These were not necessarily eliminated, but often syncretised with Catholicism. They may look at the spread of literacy with the establishment of Christian schools and the translation of the Bible into the vernacular. Missionaries were also responsible for the establishment of at least one hospital in Sao Salvador.