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Date May 2022 Marks available 15 Reference code 22M.3op1.HL.TZ0.13
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Africa and the Middle East) Time zone TZ0
Command term Evaluate Question number 13 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 7: The slave trade in Africa and the Middle East (1500–1900)

Evaluate the economic and social impact of the Atlantic slave trade in Africa.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the Atlantic slave trade in Africa weighing up the importance of the economic and social impact. Consequences may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may evaluate demographic effects and population imbalance, or they may focus on social disruption due to separation of enslaved Africans from their families and the preference for young males in Atlantic trade. Candidates may refer to the effects on the production of food and everyday goods, where agriculture was neglected and the slave trade was prioritized as the most important activity. They may also refer to the long-term legacy of rivalry and warfare between ethnic groups in West Africa due to slaving raids, or to the economic benefits which accrued to those African groups responsible for carrying out the raids and engaging in trade with the Europeans. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the development of racism, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

This question on the Atlantic slave trade was very poorly done. Candidates had limited knowledge or ignored the demands of the question and discussed effects in Europe or Americas not Africa as required.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 1: History of Africa and the Middle East » 7: The slave trade in Africa and the Middle East (1500–1900) » Nature of the slave trade: its social and economic impact in Africa and the Middle East; role and significance of individuals
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 1: History of Africa and the Middle East » 7: The slave trade in Africa and the Middle East (1500–1900)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 1: History of Africa and the Middle East
HL options: first exams 2017

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