“The search for new markets was the main economic cause of the partition of Africa.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the search for new markets primarily caused the partition of Africa. Candidates may refer to how the search for new markets was spurred on by the saturation of European markets and the belief that Africa offered lucrative trading opportunities. They may also argue that the European powers required raw materials to support industrial growth and Africa provided a plethora of cheap raw materials such as cocoa, cotton and a range of minerals. The role of companies such as the Royal Niger Company and the Imperial British East African Company may also be addressed. While other relevant factors, for example rivalries between European states keen on asserting their pre-eminence, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.