Evaluate the role of national rivalry in the partition of Africa.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the role of national rivalry in the partition of Africa, weighing up the strengths and limitations of its significance as a factor. Candidates may argue that popular enthusiasm for imperialism was perceived as a vote-winner in Europe and encouraged governments to expand in Africa at the expense of rivals – whilst acknowledging that some historians have challenged this interpretation. They may refer more generally to rivalry between powers, Britain and France in particular. Thus, tension resulting from the British occupation of Egypt led to the breakdown of the “gentleman’s agreement” in West Africa and a scramble in that part of the continent. Similarly, Bismarck’s newfound enthusiasm for imperialism and the response of rival powers led to the Berlin West Africa Conference, precipitating a further scramble. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example economic and strategic factors and the weakness of African states, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Question 15 on the partition of Africa, was a very popular question but was not done well as many candidates produced prepared responses on partition without reference to the demands of the question on the role of national rivalry. Where candidates made some acknowledgement of the question in their response, their information was thin and poorly understood and expressed.