Final answer:
In the context of the sentence, the word annex means a nation or political entity declaring its sovereignty over another area previously outside its reach, commonly associated with European colonialism in Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word annex as used in the sentence refers to the act of a nation or political entity declaring its sovereignty over another territory which was formerly outside its borders. This process of annexation speaks to historical events where European colonial powers, such as Britain and France, expanded their empires by taking control of lands outside their own territories, particularly in Africa.
During colonization, the annexation of African countries by European nations was done not only to claim new territories but also as part of a larger strategy to access valuable resources. The colonies provided the imperial powers with raw materials needed to fuel their growing industrial economies, often leading to the exploitation of the local populations.
Annexation has taken many forms throughout history, sometimes involving military conquest, and at other times, it followed treaties or other legal agreements, often ignoring the wishes of the inhabitants of the annexed territories.