“Strong African states resisted imperialism while weaker states collaborated.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that strong African states resisted imperialism while weaker states collaborated. Candidates may agree with the statement by referring to factors such as centralized political structures, large professional armies and access to modern weaponry. All of these made possible the resistance of stronger states, such as Menelik’s Ethiopia or Cetshwayo’s Zulu Kingdom. Conversely, they may argue that weaker states recognized the futility of resistance and had little choice but to come to terms with the colonizer. Alternatively, candidates may disagree with the statement by referring to weak states that resisted, or strong states that collaborated. Examples may include Buganda, which collaborated with Britain to gain political and economic advantage through the exercise of subcolonialism; or the doomed, desperate resistance of groups such as the Herero and Nama. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.