“Trade was more important than the influence of Catholicism to the rise and expansion of the Kingdom of the Kongo.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that trade was more important than the influence of Catholicism to the rise and expansion of the Kingdom of the Kongo. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two factors, or they may prioritize their discussion of either. However, both will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the external and internal trade in metal goods, cloth, pottery and ivory and the ways in which this facilitated economic growth and territorial expansion. They may note that trade first attracted the Portuguese, and that the Catholic missionary presence contributed to development in the kingdom through the establishment of schools and hospitals. The conversion of Afonso I to Christianity and the spread of a syncretic Catholicism contributed to a strong sense of national identity. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the importance of administrative systems, but with a focus on the issues in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.