“The response of other European powers to British actions in Egypt and South Africa was the main cause of partition.” Discuss.

The question requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement, with which they may agree, disagree or partially agree. Candidates may discuss how British interest in the two named areas intensified because of the opening of the Suez Canal and the desire to increase mineral wealth respectively. Strategic decisions by Britain in South Africa were crucial. The annexation of the Transvaal and the desire to control all of South Africa, to exclude other powers was very influential. This stimulated French and German desire for colonial acquisition and subsequently led to the partition of Africa. Candidates may argue that the need for raw materials due to industrial development in Europe and the role of chartered companies among other factors, also played a part in the partition of Africa.

This question on the reasons for the partition of Africa is an excellent example of students using prepared answers with little reference to the question being asked. The question required knowledge of British actions in Egypt and South Africa as a cause of partition. Many responses largely ignored the requirements and provided a stock answer on the causes of partition which, at best, only partially addressed the question. Better responses addressed the issue in the question and brought in other relevant factors.