“The brutality of the colonizing powers was the main reason for resistance by African states.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the brutality of the colonizing powers was the main reason for resistance by African states. Reasons may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the brutal impositions of colonial powers during the process of establishment in Africa, and of the variety of resistances by Africans, or they may discuss the relationship between colonial behaviour and resistance movements. Candidates may refer to cultural, economic, political and religious resistance and present illustrative cases of the variety of responses in the different regions of the continent. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the level of organization of resistance movements and their objectives, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.