| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 19M.3op1.HL.TZ0.16 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Africa and the Middle East) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 16 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 8: European imperialism and the partition of Africa (1850–1900)
Evaluate the importance of African military, technological and administrative weaknesses to the partition of Africa.
Markscheme
The question requires candidates to make an appraisal of the importance of African military, technological and administrative weaknesses to the partition of Africa. Candidates may discuss the role played by the limited military strength of the African forces compared to that of the colonial powers, which often led to their defeat. They may also address the limited technological advancement and how that contributed to partition. The administrative weakness of the African communities may also be considered. Candidates may consider political disunity within African communities, which made it easy for colonial powers to conquer them.
Examiners report
The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the importance of African military, technological and administrative weaknesses to the partition of Africa. This was a popular question with a number of quite sound responses, showing a good understanding of the topic. Weaker responses tended to be repetitive or lack enough specific relevant content in each of the three sections.
