Compare and contrast the responses of the Mandinka and the Zulu to challenges to their independence.

The question requires that candidates give an account of similarities and differences in the responses of the Mandinka and the Zulu to challenges to their independence, referring to both throughout. For similarities, candidates may note that both were powerful states with large standing armies, which meant that they could afford to choose armed resistance against enemies determined to destroy their independence. Both won early victories before retreating to avoid provoking their foes. For differences, candidates may contrast the sustained resistance of the Mandinka to the much shorter resistance of the Zulu. Other differences may include the point that the Mandinka, unlike the Zulu, could regroup and wage guerrilla warfare, and the fact that Mandinka resistance was influenced by their Islamic faith. While both similarities and differences must be addressed, there need not be an equal number of each.