“The most important challenge to colonial rule was resistance and rebellion in the colony.” Discuss with reference to two colonies.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that resistance and rebellion were the most important challenges to colonial rule. The two colonies may or may not be from the same region and they may or may not have been contemporaneous. Candidates may offer equal coverage of two colonies, or they may emphasize their discussion of one of them; however, both colonies will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may argue that rebellions and resistance threatened the economy, stability and settlers’ security, for example the Guo Huaiy Rebellion against the Dutch in Taiwan or the Vilcabamba resistance in the Peruvian Viceroyalty. While other relevant challenges, for example the lack of resources or wars with other colonial powers 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.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that resistance and rebellion were the most important challenges to colonial rule.