“Strategic factors were the most important reasons for the partition of Africa.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that strategic factors were the most important reasons for the partition of Africa. Candidates may discuss the significance of South Africa during the early period of the partition, where Britain was determined to extend and strengthen its control of the subcontinent. This was due to the strategic importance of this region on the sea route to its empire in India. Concerns over the security of the Suez Canal zone led to Britain’s military occupation of Egypt in 1882. The fallout from this development contributed to the breakdown of the “gentleman’s agreement” with France in West Africa, accelerating the colonization of this region. Similarly, colonial activity in East Africa may have been prompted by competition between European powers to control the headwaters of the Nile river. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example national rivalry and economic causes, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This was most popular question on the paper and many candidates were able to demonstrate some knowledge of the reasons for partition. Nevertheless the question required an understanding of the impact of strategic issues for partition. Many candidates were not able to comment effectively on that aspect and tended to fall back on more stock answers about reasons for partition. They did not demonstrate knowledge of what was meant by strategic issues and could not produce much in the way of relevant material.