Evaluate the impact of European exploration and early settlements on the region.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of European exploration and early settlements on the region, weighing up the importance or otherwise of the impact. Candidates may refer to developments made in the region in areas such as transportation, communications, trade, medicine and education. Candidates may also evaluate the ways missionaries imposed their values and religion on the indigenous people of the region. European culture, behaviour and language was forced onto local populations. Natural resources were exploited and high taxation was often imposed on already poor communities. Localized resistance to the early European settlements began to grow and would eventually lead to the growth of the ideas of independence and nationalism. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.