Evaluate the impact of British actions in Egypt and South Africa on the partition of Africa.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact on the partition of Africa of British actions in Egypt and South Africa. They may note that one obvious effect was the eventual colonization of those countries. In addition, British actions in Egypt led to the breakdown of the “gentleman’s agreement” with France in West Africa, while concerns over foreign control of the headwaters of the Nile led to colonial expansion in East Africa. In South Africa, candidates may note Britain’s rivalry with the Boer Republics and its expansion into the interior, which led to competition with Germany and Portugal. To provide context and/or a reference point for their evaluation, candidates may consider the impact of other factors in the partition, but the focus of the response remain on Egypt and South Africa.