Evaluate the impact of imperial expansion in Africa and Asia on European diplomacy.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of imperial expansion in Africa and Asia on European diplomacy. Candidates may consider the competition for land, resources and markets; the pursuit of empire in Africa and Asia to counteract internal problems, to increase military power and to strengthen the country’s prestige and diplomacy. Candidates may refer to the division of Africa between the European powers and the different economic treaties they signed to ensure free trade. Candidates may also consider the impact on European diplomacy of conflicts like the Fashoda incident, the Second Boer War and the two Moroccan crises. Candidates may also evaluate the clash between European countries to gain influence in China and the effects of the entry of Japan as a new significant power. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of imperial expansion in Africa and Asia on European diplomacy. This was a popular question. Many candidates were able to discuss the two Moroccan crises and their impact on diplomacy. Some candidates also mentioned Fashoda. For Asia, some candidates discussed the emergence of Japan successfully.