To what extent was European national rivalry the main cause of the partition of Africa?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that suggests that national rivalry was the main cause of the partition of Africa in the late 19th century. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to European countries’ interests in Africa and the competition that emerged among them, or they may assess the issues that the absence of boundaries in the continent raised. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the consolidation of European states and the rise of nationalism, and their concern about direct access to inland African resources after centuries of coastal trade. This led to the establishment of free navigation in the Congo and Niger Rivers during the Berlin West Africa Conference, and competition between explorers to sign treaties as proof of “effective occupation”. Candidates may note the significance of Anglo-French rivalry during the early period of the partition, with the fall-out from British military intervention in Egypt leading to the breakdown of the “gentleman’s agreement” in West Africa. They may also refer to Germany’s sudden arrival on the colonial scene in 1884, which led to sharp rivalry with the British in eastern and southern Africa in particular. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This was a very popular question on African partition. Many candidates could reach a moderate standard but too many had little knowledge of the specific issue or chose to use a prepared response on the topic. Lack of content seriously limited the value of many responses.